DOJ: Man used ‘Game of Thrones’ names to try to get $6M in COVID relief funds

The federal government tried to help companies that were hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic by offering Paycheck Protection Program loans, but some people tried to get loans that they were not qualified for, according to the Department of Justice.

Tristan Bishop Pan, 38, of Garner, North Carolina, is accused of trying to secure $6 million in PPP loans under the names of “Game of Thrones” characters, the DOJ announced in a news release.

The DOJ said Pan submitted loan applications on behalf of White Walker, Khaleesi and The Night’s Watch, all characters in the “Game of Thrones” series of books and television shows.

He also applied for one under Pan Insurance Agency.

In all, he filed 14 applications, officials said. Pan used “false statements about the companies' employees and payroll expenses," the DOJ said. Officials said he also gave “fake documents including falsified tax filings.”

Two of the applications, one made on behalf of Pan Insurance Agency and White Walker, were approved and Pan received more than $1.7 million from the government.

The government recouped some of the money.

Pan is charged with wire fraud, bank fraud and engaging in unlawful monetary transactions, the DOJ said.

Cox Media Group