A federal jury in Albany, New York, has found Aly Kaba, 30, of New Rochelle guilty on multiple counts related to pandemic unemployment insurance fraud and identity theft. The verdict was delivered on October 21, 2025 after a five-day trial in which jurors deliberated for less than three hours.
Kaba was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud, two counts of mail fraud, and aggravated identity theft. Prosecutors said that in late 2020, Kaba conspired with his former roommate Tony Brobbey to obtain over $150,000 in unemployment benefits from the New York State Department of Labor using stolen identities. Evidence presented at trial indicated that fraudulent claims totaling more than $500,000 were made using personal information from living victims and two deceased individuals. The proceeds were reportedly used for overseas travel and the purchase of a Rolex watch.
Acting United States Attorney John A. Sarcone III stated: “Kaba used stolen identities to fleece benefits programs intended to benefit workers during a desperate time. Thanks to the hard work of prosecutors in my office and each law enforcement agency involved in this task force, Kaba’s days of exotic travel on the taxpayers’ dime are over and his next trip will be to federal prison.”
USPIS Acting Inspector in Charge Nicholas Bucciarelli said: “Mr. Kaba’s conviction should serve notice to anyone hoping to misuse the mail for fraudulent purposes. Postal Inspectors and their law enforcement partners will vigorously investigate mail fraud, protect public funds, and bring perpetrators to justice.”
HSI Special Agent in Charge Erin Keegan commented: “This conviction reinforces HSI Albany’s commitment, alongside our law enforcement partners, to protecting communities from fraud and ensuring that relief programs serve those who truly need them. We are proud to have successfully brought justice in a case that safeguards the public by preventing the exploitation of critical government resources.”
USDOL-OIG Special Agent in Charge Jonathan R. Mellone added: “Aly Kaba unlawfully profited from a scheme that used stolen identities to fraudulently obtain critical taxpayer funds intended for qualified individuals in need of unemployment insurance benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Safeguarding the integrity of the unemployment insurance program remains a top priority for the Office of Inspector General. We will continue to work closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners to ensure the protection of U.S. Department of Labor programs and operations.”
Kaba is scheduled for sentencing on February 27, 2026. He faces up to 20 years imprisonment each for conspiracy and mail fraud charges; aggravated identity theft carries an additional mandatory two-year term.
Tony Brobbey previously pleaded guilty on related charges; his sentencing is set for January 7, 2026.
The investigation involved several agencies including USPIS, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), USDOL-OIG—with support from U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s New York Field Office—and the New York State Department of Labor’s Office of Special Investigations.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alexander P. Wentworth-Ping and Joshua R. Rosenthal are prosecuting this case.
