49 accused of defrauding Red Cross of hurricane funds

The number of people indicted in a scheme that defrauded the Red Cross of thousands of pounds designated for Hurricane Katrina victims has risen to 49, federal authorities in California said.

At least 14 suspects worked at a Red Cross call centre in Bakersfield, California, and are accused of helping family and friends file false claims for aid money, said Mary Wenger, a spokeswoman for US Attorney McGregor Scott in Sacramento.