Washington, DC, December 22, 2025 — US prosecutors have indicted a Maryland-based technology executive for allegedly orchestrating a bid-rigging and kickback scheme that defrauded the federal government in connection with major information technology procurements.
A federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Victor Marquez, the owner of two IT companies, with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, four counts of wire fraud, and major fraud. Authorities allege that Marquez conspired with others to manipulate bidding processes for large federal IT contracts while receiving kickbacks in exchange for steering awards.
Procurement Manipulation Alleged
According to the indictment, Marquez used privileged access to sensitive procurement information to rig bids for government IT contracts. Prosecutors allege that he and his co-conspirators concealed his involvement to ensure continued access to non-public bidding information, enabling them to influence procurement outcomes.
Marquez allegedly received kickbacks — referred to by co-conspirators as the “Vic tax” — which were built into the government’s purchase prices. The Justice Department claims the scheme generated more than $3.8 million in illicit proceeds.
Guilty Pleas by Co-Conspirators
Two individuals charged in related cases have already pleaded guilty. James Briar, an IT sales representative, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to conspiracy to pay illegal kickbacks, while Robert Fay, an IT sales executive, pleaded guilty in October to conspiracy to pay illegal kickbacks and to violating the Anti-Kickback Act.
Federal officials said the conduct distorted competition in government contracting and resulted in inflated costs borne by taxpayers.
Enforcement Focus on Procurement Collusion
The case forms part of the Justice Department’s broader efforts under the Procurement Collusion Strike Force, a joint initiative launched in 2019 to combat bid rigging, price fixing and market allocation affecting public procurement at all levels of government.
If convicted, Marquez faces up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud and conspiracy count and up to 10 years for the major fraud charge. Sentencing for the co-conspirators is pending.
