Attila Kalmar, Embezzlement, Florida 2009

Florida Man Busted for Stealing Government Funds

A Ft. Myers, Florida man has been brought to justice for stealing government funds and corruptly endeavoring to obstruct the internal revenue laws, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Maria Chapa Lopez of the Middle District of Florida.

Attila Kalmar, the mastermind behind the massive fraud, filed trust returns with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in the name of First AK-Open Sec Trust, a nominee entity, seeking more than $480,000 in fraudulent refunds. The scheme spanned from 2007 through 2009.

Kalmar went to great lengths to cover his tracks, depositing a refund check he received as a result of these filings into a bank account, and then using the proceeds to purchase real property, acquire thousands of dollars in gold coins, and wire money overseas. Moreover, Kalmar attempted to impede the internal revenue laws by transferring funds between nominee bank accounts and falsely representing to the IRS that an IRS revenue officer was the trustee for First AK-Open Sec Trust.

U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell handed down a sentence of 18 months in prison, which is a fitting punishment for Kalmar’s heinous crimes. In addition to the prison term, Kalmar was ordered to serve three years of supervised release, forfeit $274,019 and a piece of real estate to the United States, and pay $274,019 in restitution to the IRS.

Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Zuckerman and U.S. Attorney Chapa Lopez commended special agents of IRS–Criminal Investigation, who conducted the investigation, and Trial Attorneys William M. Montague and Grace E. Albinson of the Tax Division, who prosecuted the case.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of stealing government funds and attempting to obstruct the IRS. The Tax Division will continue to pursue individuals who engage in these types of crimes with the utmost severity.

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