New York State Employee Arrested for Dual Employment Faces 15-Year Sentence

New York: A significant workplace fraud allegation has surfaced involving Mehul Goswami, a 39-year-old employee of Indian descent, who was apprehended for moonlighting while holding a full-time position at the New York State Office of Information Technology Services. Goswami stands accused of secretly working as a contractor for GlobalFoundries in Malta during the hours he was paid by the state. Officials believe his actions amounted to grand larceny, potentially misusing taxpayer funds estimated at approximately $50,000.

The investigation began following an anonymous tip, leading to a collaborative inquiry by the New York State Inspector General's Office and Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. If the allegations are substantiated, Goswami’s behavior could represent a grave violation of public trust. Inspector General Lucy Lang stressed that claiming to work for the state while also moonlighting constitutes a misuse of public resources, undermining the integrity of public service in New York State.

Goswami, who earned $117,891 in 2024 working remotely as a project coordinator for the state, allegedly commenced his dual employment with GlobalFoundries in March 2022. The claims indicate that while receiving compensation for his state job, he was also fulfilling responsibilities for a private company, raising ethical and legal dilemmas regarding holding multiple roles in remote positions. This case has stirred up national debates over the legality and morality of dual employment in the public sector.

On October 15, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office took Goswami into custody for second-degree grand larceny—a Class C felony in New York, which could result in a prison term of up to 15 years. After appearing before Judge James A. Fauci in Malta Town Court, he was released without bail as the case moves forward. Under New York state law, the charges against Goswami disqualify him from bail, emphasizing the gravity of the conduct related to moonlighting during state employment.

Inspector General Lang reiterated her office's commitment to upholding accountability, indicating that investigations will persist in cases where individuals jeopardize public service integrity for personal financial benefit. Goswami’s arrest has gained widespread attention in the ongoing conversation regarding moonlighting ethics, remote work oversight, and public accountability, posing critical questions about how state workers manage multiple jobs.

The situation involving Mehul Goswami acts as a warning for public employees and remote workers alike, showcasing the legal and ethical challenges associated with moonlighting while receiving state compensation. As inquiries continue, the case could lead to lasting effects on workplace regulations and scrutiny in New York and beyond, especially concerning transparency, conflict of interest, and the appropriate use of taxpayer money.