Alameda Police Department (APD) detectives have arrested a former employee of local nonprofit Girls Inc. of the Island City in connection with an embezzlement scheme involving a loss of more than $460,000, according to an APD report on Facebook and confirmed by the organization’s CEO, Jennifer M. Pigza.
Safiullah Manzoor, 43, of Walnut Creek, was arrested on March 11, and is charged with a felony count of embezzlement over time, according to a report in the East Bay Times. Manzoor pleaded not guilty on Friday, March 13 and was released on his own recognizance. His pre-trial hearing is scheduled for May 14.
In an email sent on Tuesday, March 17, to donors, families and key partners, Pigza said the financial irregularities involving the former employee were initially identified in May 2025. Pigza shared that email with the Alameda Post.
“We acted promptly to stop the activity, begin an investigation, and cooperate with authorities,” the email stated. “The individual was placed on leave and is no longer with the organization. Last week, this person was arrested on charges of embezzlement.”…