Mehul Goswami, a 39-year-old New Yorker of Indian origin, was arrested by US authorities for “grand larceny” after allegedly working a second job while employed at the New York State Office of Information Technology Services. Reports indicate that his actions led to the misuse of around $50,000 in taxpayer funds.

Goswami, who worked remotely for the state, reportedly started a simultaneous contract with GlobalFoundries, a semiconductor company in Malta, from March 2022.

An anonymous email reportedly sparked the investigation, claiming Goswami was working for a private employer during the same hours he was supposed to serve as a state employee.

"Public employees are entrusted with the responsibility to serve with integrity, and Goswami's alleged conduct represents a serious breach of that trust. Working a second, full-time job while claiming to be working for the State is an abuse of public resources, including taxpayer dollars," said Inspector General Lucy Lang, according to CBS 6 news.

On October 15, the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office arrested Goswami for grand larceny in the second degree, a serious class C felony in New York, which carries a maximum sentence of up to 15 years in prison.

Goswami appeared before Judge James A. Fauci in Malta Town Court later that week and was released without bail while the case continues. Under the updated New York state law, the charges do not qualify for bail.

"My office will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to hold anyone accountable who would undermine the integrity of public service in New York State," Lang added.

Goswami worked as a project coordinator for the state, earning $117,891 in 2024, according to Times Union reports. His case has reignited debates about moonlighting, particularly in remote jobs.