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Mehul Goswami’s case highlights the dangers of moonlighting. In his pursuit of additional income, he crossed legal and ethical boundaries. This case serves as a stark warning not only to government employees but also to private sector professionals, work honestly, or the consequences could be dire.
Moonlighting lands Indian-origin Mehul Goswami in jail
New Delhi: A case of moonlighting has recently surfaced in the US against an Indian-origin man. Mehul Goswami, a New York resident, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for simultaneously working two jobs and misusing government resources. During this time, he amassed illegal income of approximately Rs 40 lakh.
According to US media reports, Mehul Goswami was working as a project coordinator in a New York State government office. This was his main job, for which he received a regular salary from the state government. However, in March 2022, he began working as a contractor with a Malta-based semiconductor company called GlobalFoundries.'
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He did this work during the same hours he was supposed to perform his duties for the government office. This means he was earning money from two different jobs at the same time.
The entire matter was revealed through an anonymous email. The email alleged that Goswami worked for a private employer while serving as a state employee. After an investigation, authorities determined that this information was true and that Goswami had indeed misused government time and resources.
On 15 October, the Saratoga County Sheriff's Office arrested him on charges of grand larceny. Under New York law, this is a serious Class C felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.
State Inspector General Lucy Lang said,
"Government employees are entrusted with the responsibility to serve with integrity. Mehul Goswami's conduct is a serious breach of that trust. Working a second job while claiming to work for the state not only misuses taxpayer funds but also damages the credibility of public service."
Lang further stated that his department will continue to take strict action in such cases to maintain the integrity of public service.
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Moonlighting means working a second job alongside your primary job, especially when the working hours of both jobs conflict. Many people do this for additional income, but in many institutions and government jobs, it is considered a conflict of interest and an ethical violation.
