HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA — A cigarette trafficker was sentenced this week in the United States District Court for the Western District of Virginia, the Grimy Times has learned.
Anjay Patel, 37, of South Carolina, was the final member of a conspiracy that purchased untaxed cigarettes in Virginia and transported them throughout the United States.
Patel and others were indicted in November 2011 on a variety of charges, including conspiracy, trafficking and money laundering charges. In February 2013, Patel pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute contraband cigarettes, conspiracy to commit money laundering, trafficking in contraband cigarettes, promotional money laundering, concealment money laundering and engaging in monetary transactions involving more than $10,000 in criminal proceeds.
This week, Patel was sentenced to 84 months incarceration, 2 years of supervised release, and ordered to forfeit substantial assets, including cash, real estate, vehicles, bank accounts, and personal property.
“Anjay Patel and his co-conspirators bought and sold millions of dollars’ worth of contraband cigarettes in an attempt to avoid paying taxes,” said United States Attorney Timothy J. Heaphy. “In this sophisticated criminal operation, these defendants purchased untaxed cigarettes in Virginia and transported them to New York and other northeastern states for resale. In so doing, they deprived those states of substantial tax revenue.
The extremely productive and skilled work of the ATF and other agents who pursued this case ensured that much of this tax money will be repaid and the defendants brought to justice.”
Patel, a 37-year-old resident of South Carolina, was the final member of the conspiracy to be sentenced. His co-conspirators had previously received sentences ranging from 2 to 5 years in prison.
The case highlights the ongoing problem of cigarette trafficking in the United States, with millions of dollars in tax revenue lost each year due to the illicit trade.
Defendant/Respondent: Anjay Patel
Criminal Charges: Conspiracy to distribute contraband cigarettes, conspiracy to commit money laundering, trafficking in contraband cigarettes, promotional money laundering, concealment money laundering and engaging in monetary transactions involving more than $10,000 in criminal proceeds
City and State: HARRISONBURG, VIRGINIA
Exact Date: February 2013 (sentencing)
Sentence or Outcome: 84 months incarceration, 2 years of supervised release
Dollar Amounts: Millions of dollars in tax revenue lost, $10,000 in criminal proceeds
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Key Facts
- State: Virginia
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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