June 16, 2025

Ohio trucking couple admits to $900,000 pandemic loan fraud

Steve Smith

Ohio trucking couple admits to $900,000 pandemic loan fraud

Ajay Chawla and his wife Ruhi Chawla, who ran several trucking companies out of West Chester, Ohio, pleaded guilty on June 16, 2025, to wire fraud after taking over $900,000 from pandemic relief programs.

The details: The couple got money from four PPP loans and three EIDL loans by making up employee numbers and income on their applications. Their companies include Prime Transportation and Logistics, ABC Trucking, Apex Truck Lines, and A1 Diesel Truck Repair.

Ajay Chawla also admitted to lying to the Department of Transportation and FMCSA about who owned Apex Truck Lines.
The case was worked by several federal agencies, including the DOT Inspector General, Treasury agents, and Homeland Security Investigations.

What they’re facing: Wire fraud can mean up to 20 years in prison when they’re sentenced, reported the Department of Justice.

FTC and Florida take down deceptive truck investment scheme

The FTC and Florida have shut down RivX for allegedly running a deceptive trucking investment scheme that left many investors without trucks or income.

Cybersecurity risks in trucking: Experts warn of ELD vulnerabilities

A Colorado State University study exposes cybersecurity threats in the trucking industry through vulnerable Electronic Logging Devices that could risk vehicle control and data security.

Atchafalaya Basin Bridge update ends split speed limits for trucks and cars

Louisiana's Atchafalaya Basin Bridge implements a uniform 60 mph speed limit for all vehicles and sets right-lane-only rules for trucks to enhance road safety.