Feds charge 5 people as part of sprawling 'ghost students' probe
Summary
Federal prosecutors charged five people in alleged schemes to steal federal student aid by using fake or stolen identities to enroll as online students. Authorities say the cases involve $2.9 million and are part of a wider investigation spanning more than 40 cases in 26 FBI field offices.Key Facts
- The five defendants are accused of conspiring with foreign nationals in schemes involving federal student grants and loans.
- Prosecutors brought charges in Nebraska, Virginia and New Jersey.
- The charges include theft of government property, aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
- The Nebraska defendant pleaded not guilty and was detained pending trial.
- The three New Jersey defendants had not entered pleas, and the Virginia indictment remained sealed as of Oct. 29, 2026.
- The Justice Department named the wider investigation Operation Ghostbusters.
- Officials said the investigation spans more than 40 cases across 26 FBI field offices.
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