MILWAUKEE, WI – Tomasz Bazarewicz, 39, of Illinois, is headed to federal prison after being sentenced to fifteen months’ imprisonment for his role in a sophisticated scheme to defraud vehicle brokers and dealerships. U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad for the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced the sentence on June 26, 2024, along with a hefty $3,500,000 restitution order to the victims of the fraud. Bazarewicz will also face three years of supervised release after completing his prison term.
The scheme involved the foreign sale of luxury automobiles, and Bazarewicz wasn’t just a bystander. Court documents reveal he actively calmed the fears of customers whose cars never arrived, essentially covering for the conspiracy as it unfolded. He didn’t stop there; he laundered over three million dollars in illicit proceeds, splashing out on luxury gambling trips while others were left holding the bag. This wasn’t a momentary lapse in judgment; it was a sustained effort to profit from deception.
“At the time he learned of the ongoing conspiracy, Mr. Bazarewicz was professionally successful and doing well financially,” Haanstad stated bluntly. “Despite this, rather than avoiding the criminal conduct or doing the right thing by reporting it, he joined in and helped further it for his own financial gain.” The U.S. Attorney’s office clearly views Bazarewicz’s actions as a calculated betrayal of trust, especially given his pre-existing financial stability.
Ramsey Covington, acting Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigation’s Chicago Field Office, emphasized the agency’s commitment to dismantling such operations. “Our commitment to justice is unwavering, and the outcome of this case exemplifies our dedication to dismantling criminal enterprises that exploit the financial system,” Covington said. The collaborative effort between IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Attorney’s Office proved crucial in securing the conviction.
During sentencing, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman highlighted the need for deterrence. While acknowledging Bazarewicz wasn’t the mastermind, the judge stressed his active role in advancing the crimes. Bazarewicz even established his own subsidiary company specifically to facilitate the scheme and, according to text messages, encouraged others to “run it up” – a chilling indication of his enthusiasm for the fraudulent activity. It wasn’t just about the money, it was about escalating the operation.
The investigation was led by the Criminal Investigation division of the Internal Revenue Service, with prosecution handled by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Kwaterski and Kevin Knight. This case serves as a stark warning: even those already enjoying success will face consequences for choosing criminal enterprise over ethical conduct. The Grimy Times will continue to follow the fallout and any potential charges against Bazarewicz’s co-conspirators.
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Key Facts
- State: Wisconsin
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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