⏱ 2 min read
Luis A. Jiménez-Guzmán, a Puerto Rico Department of Treasury employee, pleaded guilty to a bribery conspiracy that cost the island $5 million in lost tax revenue. The scheme, which lasted from February 2019 to March 2023, involved Jiménez-Guzmán accepting cash payments and other benefits in exchange for submitting false information to the Treasury Department. The false information was used to eliminate taxes owed, evade taxes, and steal funds from the government.
As part of his duties, Jiménez-Guzmán had access to the Treasury Department’s online platforms, including the Puerto Rico Integrated Tax Administration System (PRITAS) and the Internal Revenue Unified System (GenTax/SURI). He used this access to create fake taxpayer credits, modify income tax, employee retention tax, and sales tax information. For example, in August 2021, Jiménez-Guzmán received a $10,000 bribe payment to erase and reduce a tax debt owed by one of his co-conspirator’s customers.
The bribery conspiracy resulted in a total loss of approximately $5 million to the Treasury Department. Jiménez-Guzmán’s guilty plea is the result of an investigation by the FBI and the DOJ, which has vowed to aggressively pursue corrupt government officials who abuse their power for personal gain.
The case highlights the ongoing problem of corruption in Puerto Rico’s government and the need for increased transparency and accountability. The investigation and prosecution of Jiménez-Guzmán serve as a reminder that those who engage in corrupt activities will be held accountable and brought to justice.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Public Corruption
- Defendant: Puerto Rico
- Location: PR
- Source: DOJ Press Release
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Public CorruptionPublic CorruptionPublic CorruptionPublic Corruption