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Two Georgia Men Sentenced for Stolen Identity Tax Refund Fraud
ATLANTA, GA – In a brazen scheme to steal money from American taxpayers, two Georgia residents have been sentenced to prison for their involvement in a stolen identity tax refund fraud scheme.
Obi Emelogu, 51, of Woodstock, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 45 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $719,872. Oloh Samuel, 33, of Acworth, Georgia, was sentenced to serve 18 months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $146,179.
According to court documents, Emelogu and Samuel participated in a scheme using stolen identities to file fraudulent federal income tax returns, including tax returns filed using stolen identities. The scheme involved businesses located in Georgia, including S & O Accounting Services LLC, which was controlled by Samuel, and Xpress Auto Parts & Towing LLC and O.B. Consulting & Tax Services LLC., which were controlled by Emelogu.
In 2012, Emelogu filed hundreds of false federal income tax returns with the IRS that included fraudulent claims for tax refunds directed to be paid into his business bank accounts and into a bank account controlled by Samuel. Electronic evidence established that additional false tax returns were also filed from overseas and the refunds were deposited into Samuel’s bank account.
At sentencing, the court found that the intended loss amount attributable to Emelogu was more than $400,000 and that the intended loss amount attributable to Samuel was more than $1 million.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Caroline D. Ciraolo of the Tax Division and Acting U.S. Attorney John A. Horn of the Northern District of Georgia announced the sentencing, commending the special agents of IRS-CI and the TIGTA, who investigated the case.
“One of the Tax Division’s highest priorities is prosecuting individuals who use stolen identities to file fictitious income tax returns and claim fraudulent refunds,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Ciraolo. “This street crime threatens the very fabric of tax administration and often victimizes the most vulnerable members of our communities.”
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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