Muaad Salem, Tax Refund Fraud, Ohio 2009
A scheme to defraud the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of at least $1.7 million in fraudulently obtained tax returns has been uncovered, with six individuals charged in connection with the crime.
According to a 10-count indictment unsealed on [date], Muaad Salem, Fahim Sulieman, Hanan Widdi, Najeh Widdi, Hazem Woodi, and Daxesj Patel allegedly defrauded the United States by filing false and fraudulent tax returns, often in the names of recently deceased taxpayers.
The indictment alleges that the U.S. Treasury checks generated by the false and fraudulent returns were sent by the U.S. mail to co-conspirators in Ohio, who would sell and distribute the checks for negotiation at various businesses and banking institutions.
“The theft of anyone’s identity is a serious offense, but stealing the identities of the recently departed to defraud all the other taxpayers is particularly egregious,” said Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio.
The six defendants are charged with conspiracies to defraud the United States and to commit mail fraud, as well as three counts of mail fraud and two counts of aggravated identity theft. Patel is also charged with two counts of making a false claim against the United States and with making a false statement to law enforcement officials investigating the crimes.
The defendants, who are all from Ohio, face significant prison time if convicted. Mail fraud is punishable by a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, while conspiracy to defraud the United States is punishable by a maximum sentence of 10 years.
The case is a prime example of the FBI and IRS working together to aggressively pursue and investigate those who commit identity theft and fraudulent activities in the United States.
“IRS Criminal Investigation has made investigating refund fraud and identity theft a top priority,” stated Darryl Williams, Special Agent in Charge, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Cincinnati Field Office.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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