Brendan Shalvey, COVID-19 Tax Credit Scheme, New Jersey 2023

NEWARK, NJ – In a brazen attempt to exploit the COVID-19 pandemic, 56-year-old Brendan Shalvey, a New Jersey tax preparer, was sentenced to 144 months in prison and 5 years of supervised release for his role in a $170 million COVID-19-related tax refund scheme.

According to the Department of Justice, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey, Shalvey, a resident of West Orange, New Jersey, sought more than $170 million in fraudulent COVID-19-related tax refunds. His scheme involved filing false tax returns on behalf of individuals who did not qualify for the credits.

The investigation, led by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation, revealed that Shalvey and his associates used various methods to conceal their activities and evade detection. They created shell companies, fabricated identities, and utilized other tactics to deceive the IRS and the U.S. Treasury.

The scheme was uncovered in May 2023, and Shalvey was arrested on May 10, 2023. He pleaded guilty to conspiracy to file false claims and willful failure to pay over taxes.

U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Philip R. Sellinger, praised the efforts of the IRS, stating, “This sentence should serve as a reminder that those who seek to exploit the system for personal gain will be held accountable.”

The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance in preventing COVID-19-related tax credit scams. The public is urged to remain cautious and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.

Shalvey’s sentence is a significant blow to those who seek to exploit the system for personal gain. The Grimy Times will continue to monitor this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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