A Massachusetts man, Samuel N. Montronde, 39, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for his role in a sophisticated fraud scheme that siphoned off $2.3 million from Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts confirmed the sentencing, which also includes two years of supervised release and a restitution order of $2.3 million.
How the Takeda Fraud Scheme Unfolded
Authorities revealed that Montronde, in collaboration with his girlfriend, Priya Bhambi—a former senior employee at Takeda—set up a fake consulting company to execute their fraudulent plan. The duo established Evoluzione Consulting LLC in 2022, fabricating invoices for services that were never rendered.
Bhambi had previously engaged in a similar scheme, fraudulently obtaining nearly $300,000 from the company. This time, however, they significantly escalated their efforts, submitting five fraudulent invoices between March and May 2022, totaling a staggering $2.3 million.
To make the deception appear legitimate, the pair even created a fictitious employee named “Jasmine” to communicate with Takeda’s financial department. Bhambi misrepresented the nature of the services provided, but Takeda eventually uncovered the scheme, leading to her termination and subsequent legal action.
Lavish Lifestyle Funded by Fraudulent Money
Investigations found that the stolen funds were used to finance an extravagant lifestyle. Montronde and Bhambi splurged on luxury items, including a high-end Mercedes-Benz, an upscale Boston condo, and even a $50,000 deposit for a wedding venue.
However, their lavish spending spree came to an abrupt halt when Takeda identified the fraudulent transactions and took legal action. Federal authorities stepped in, leading to their arrest in January 2023, and both were indicted by a grand jury the same month.
Legal Consequences for Montronde and Bhambi
In June 2024, Bhambi pleaded guilty to her involvement in the fraud, and by October 2024, she was sentenced to 46 months in prison. Additionally, she was ordered to pay $2,585,480 in restitution.
Montronde, facing similar charges, was sentenced to 30 months in prison, with an additional two years of supervised release. Alongside this, he has been ordered to pay $2.3 million in restitution.
Fraud in Corporate Environments – A Growing Concern
This case highlights the growing risks of corporate fraud, particularly involving insiders who exploit their positions of trust. Financial experts warn that companies must implement stringent verification processes to prevent fraudulent activities like these.
Fraud detection systems, internal audits, and AI-driven monitoring solutions are becoming essential in corporate environments to safeguard against such fraudulent schemes.
Final Takeaway: Crime Doesn’t Pay
While Montronde and Bhambi enjoyed a brief period of financial indulgence, their actions ultimately led to legal consequences, financial ruin, and a significant prison sentence. This case serves as a cautionary tale for those considering corporate fraud—sooner or later, the truth catches up.
For companies, this is yet another reminder to enhance fraud prevention mechanisms and maintain strict oversight over financial transactions. The Takeda fraud case is an eye-opener for the corporate world, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in business operations.
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