Strand bookshop agrees to pay US$1,482,560 to settle federal COVID loan claim

The Strand, a New York bookshop, has agreed to pay US$1,482,560 to settle a federal False Claims Act claim, a civil law letting the government recover money obtained through false claims. The U.S. Justice Department announced the settlement on 3 November 2026. It concerns a $932,350 Paycheck Protection Program loan. The settlement is civil, with no criminal case.