Indian-Origin NY Employee Arrested for Moonlighting Faces 15-Year Jail

New York: A shocking case of alleged workplace fraud has emerged in New York, where Mehul Goswami, a 39-year-old Indian-origin New Yorker, was arrested for moonlighting while working full-time for the New York State Office of Information Technology Services. Goswami is accused of taking on a second job as a contractor for GlobalFoundries in Malta, allegedly during the same hours he was being paid by the state. Authorities say his actions amount to grand larceny, with potential misuse of taxpayer funds totaling around $50,000.

The investigation into Goswami’s alleged moonlighting was reportedly triggered by an anonymous email, prompting a joint probe by the New York State Inspector General's Office and the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office. Goswami’s conduct, if proven, represents a serious breach of public trust. Inspector General Lucy Lang emphasized that moonlighting while claiming to work for the state constitutes abuse of public resources, including taxpayer money, and undermines the integrity of public service in New York State.

Goswami, who worked remotely as a project coordinator for the state and earned $117,891 in 2024, reportedly began his moonlighting stint with GlobalFoundries in March 2022. The allegations suggest that while Goswami was being compensated for full-time state work, he simultaneously performed duties for a private employer, raising ethical and legal concerns about moonlighting in remote jobs. This case has reignited national discussions about the legality and morality of holding multiple jobs while working for public institutions.

On October 15, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office arrested Goswami for second-degree grand larceny, a Class C felony in New York carrying a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison. Goswami appeared before Judge James A. Fauci in Malta Town Court and was released without bail while the case is ongoing. Under New York state law, the charges filed against Goswami do not qualify for bail, highlighting the severity of the allegations connected to moonlighting during state employment.

Inspector General Lang reaffirmed her office’s commitment to accountability, stating that authorities will continue to investigate cases where individuals compromise public service integrity for personal financial gain. Goswami’s arrest has sparked widespread attention in discussions about moonlighting ethics, remote work monitoring, and public accountability, raising questions about how state employees balance multiple jobs.

The case of Mehul Goswami serves as a cautionary tale for public servants and remote employees, highlighting the legal and ethical risks of moonlighting while on state payroll. As the investigation continues, the outcome may have lasting implications for workplace policies and oversight in New York and beyond, particularly regarding transparency, conflict of interest, and the proper use of taxpayer funds.