Former Tampa banker pleads guilty to bank fraud, faces 30 years in prison

TAMPA, Fla. — A former banker has pleaded guilty to bank fraud involving a scheme to defraud multiple credit unions, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida announced.

Igor Shushpanov, 39, of Tampa, admitted to opening checking accounts at credit unions and obtaining credit cards or personal lines of credit. According to court documents, Mr. Shushpanov used worthless checks to pay off balances before withdrawing funds or making additional purchases.

The scheme allegedly lasted from February 2017 through July 2022.

Prosecutors said Mr. Shushpanov repeatedly deposited checks he knew would be returned for insufficient funds. Between the time the credit unions credited the accounts and the checks were returned, he maxed out his credit cards and credit lines, increasing his debts.

To further avoid repayment, Mr. Shushpanov filed for bankruptcy.

As part of his plea agreement, Mr. Shushpanov has agreed to forfeit $303,093.26, the proceeds of his fraudulent activities. He faces up to 30 years in federal prison, with sentencing yet to be scheduled.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Housing Finance Agency – Office of Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Office of the United States Trustee for the Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division.

Special Assistant United States Attorney Chris Poor is prosecuting the case.