Security training practices in New York City are under scrutiny following a recent case involving Valor Security & Investigations and its President, Alexander Shaporov. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. announced that both the company and Shaporov have pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including Attempted Enterprise Corruption and Reckless Endangerment.
According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, Valor Security & Investigations prioritized collecting fees over delivering the full 40-hour safety training required for construction workers in New York City. Between December 2019 and April 2023, the company allegedly issued unearned safety certificates to approximately 20,000 individuals. The investigation also highlights the serious consequences of these actions, including the death of Ivan Frias, who fell from a construction site after reportedly not receiving the mandatory training that Valor had certified.
Court records indicate that Alexander Shaporov and Valor Security & Investigations operated a fraudulent training scheme. As a result, Shaporov has been sentenced to one year in jail, ordered to forfeit $100,000, and the company’s security license has been revoked.
The Department of Investigation (DOI) and the New York City Department of Buildings continue efforts to address fraud within the construction industry. DOI Commissioner Jocelyn E. Strauber emphasized the serious risks posed when companies fail to comply with the city’s construction training standards. She noted that the conduct attributed to Valor Security & Investigations and its president, Alexander Shaporov, demonstrates how such noncompliance can lead to severe and potentially tragic outcomes.
The case was assembled by the Worker Protection Unit, supported by a detailed review of Valor’s internal records, which were analyzed by investigators and forensic accountants. The findings point to procedural failures in complying with mandated safety standards and may inform future enforcement actions within the construction training sector.
