Michigan Attorney General Files Felony Charges Against Businesswoman in $20 Million Grant Fraud Case
Businesswoman Fay Beydoun faces multiple felony charges for allegedly misusing $20 million in state grant money meant for international business accelerator program.
FARMINGTON HILLS, MICHIGAN — Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced felony charges Wednesday against a businesswoman accused of misusing $20 million in state legislative grant funding intended for an international business accelerator program.
Fay Beydoun was charged in the 47th District Court in Farmington Hills with conducting a criminal enterprise, forgery, larceny by conversion exceeding $20,000, six counts of larceny by conversion between $1,000 and $20,000, and seven counts of uttering and publishing.
“Today, we allege Fay Beydoun sought and received a $20 million ‘Michigan enhancement grant’ from the state Legislature where she operated a criminal enterprise to use those funds for personal expenses and her own enrichment, and lied repeatedly when reporting how she used those funds, rather than using them towards the legally intended purpose of the grant,” Nessel said.
Grant Intended for International Business Program
The funding was allocated through the Fiscal Year 2023 state budget to establish an international business accelerator designed to bring startup companies from around the world into the United States. Beydoun’s nonprofit organization, Global Link International, was responsible for operating the program.
However, Nessel told reporters that her office has found no evidence that a single business relocated to the United States, to Michigan, or was even presented with any proposal from Beydoun’s organization to relocate to Michigan.
Investigation Continues, Additional Charges Possible
The investigation remains ongoing, with Nessel indicating that Beydoun could face additional charges as the case develops. The charges have sparked broader discussions about potential reforms within the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s oversight processes.
Beydoun’s attorney, Vincent Haisha, defended his client in a statement to Michigan Advance. “For the last six months, our firm has attempted to demonstrate the illogical nature of the allegations against Ms. Beydoun to the Michigan Department of Attorney General,” Haisha said. “Despite those efforts, it is evident that certain parties felt the need to further this very public spectacle in a way that is neither supported by the evidence that we have seen nor the investigative materials we possess.”
The case highlights concerns about the oversight of state grant programs and the mechanisms in place to ensure taxpayer funds are used for their intended purposes. The Michigan enhancement grant program was designed as part of the state’s economic development initiatives to attract international business investment.
Department of Attorney General Criminal Justice Bureau Chief Danielle Hagaman-Clark appeared alongside Nessel during Wednesday’s announcement, underscoring the case’s importance to state law enforcement officials.
