A former Utica resident has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in a massive IRS tax refund scam.
On June 15, 2015, Anas K. Wilson, 33, was sentenced to 12 years in prison by the Honorable Frederick J. Scullin, Jr., for his crimes in a fraudulent tax return scheme.
Wilson’s crimes involved electronically filing hundreds of fraudulent U.S. Individual Income Tax Returns on behalf of victims who were not entitled to tax refunds. He directed the tax refunds received to bank accounts he had established in the names of third parties.
The investigation revealed that Wilson posed as an IRS employee at times in order to obtain the personal identifying information (including Social Security numbers and names) of the victims.
After refunds were issued for the fraudulent tax returns, Wilson paid others to withdraw the funds from various banks and provide him the money.
Wilson was ultimately responsible for submitting fraudulent tax returns to the IRS that resulted in the release of at least $414,000 in false tax refunds by the IRS.
United States Attorney Richard S. Hartunian stated, ‘The significant sentence imposed by the court today should serve as a clear warning that those who engage in illegal schemes to enrich themselves unjustly will pay a heavy price when they are caught.’
Special Agent in Charge Craig W. Rupert stated, ‘Today’s sentencing illustrates the seriousness of identity theft schemes.’
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Key Facts
- State: New York
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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