A man was sentenced to 18 months in prison for taking part in a $4.8 million canola fraud scheme, according to the district attorney.
49-year-old Shawn Sawa formerly of Clovis, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for his involvement in a fraud scheme that stole $4.8 million worth of canola from international food processors.
Court documents revealed that between 2015 and 2017, Sawa and co-defendant Richard Best orchestrated the theft through Best’s now-defunct company, Richard Best Transfer Inc.
The company, which specialized in transloading commodities, received canola from food processors for delivery to customers.
Sawa, who was the Fresno area manager for one of the victim processors, initially received kickbacks from Best to increase canola supply to Richard Best Transfer.
The stolen canola was sold through a Texas acquaintance, with proceeds distributed according to Best’s instructions.
Sawa used a bank account in his spouse’s name to conceal the scheme.
Fraudulent inventory reports were sent to victim processors, falsely indicating stock levels.
Proceeds from the scheme funded luxury homes, vehicles, trips, and private karate lessons.
Best, fearing discovery, gave Sawa an old cellphone number to avoid detection by Sawa’s employer.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation conducted the investigation.
Best pleaded guilty on Oct. 14, 2025, and faces sentencing on March 2, 2026, with a potential 20-year prison term and $250,000 fine.