ATLANTA – Two Georgia men have been sentenced for their involvement in a tax refund fraud scheme in which they brazenly stole money from American taxpayers.
Obi Emelogu, 51, of Woodstock, Georgia, and Oloh Samuel, 33, of Acworth, Georgia, were sentenced for conspiring to file false tax returns. Emelogu filed hundreds of false tax returns claiming fraudulent refunds that were directed into his bank account. He also filed false tax returns that were deposited into a bank account controlled by Samuel.
Electronic evidence showed that additional false tax returns were filed from overseas and refunds were deposited into Samuel’s bank account. Many of the tax refunds that were directed into the defendants’ bank accounts came from tax returns that used stolen names and social security numbers.
‘These defendants brazenly stole money from the American taxpayers with little regard for whom they affect,’ said Acting U.S. Attorney John Horn. ‘We have committed resources to combat this kind of theft, and will aggressively pursue and prosecute those who believe they can file false tax returns.’
‘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.’
Obi Emelogu was sentenced to three years and nine 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 was sentenced to one year and six months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $146,179.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation and the U.S. Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Thomas J. Krepp and DOJ Criminal Tax Division Trial Attorney Jason Poole prosecuted the case.
Related Federal Cases
- Angela Miller and Lee Lynwood, Tax Return Fraud, Georgia, 2008 · Alabama
- Kimberly Michelle Banks, Identity Theft Tax Fraud Scheme, GA, 2023 · Alabama
- Willie C. Grant, ID Theft and Tax Refund Fraud, Macon GA, 2008 · Connecticut
- Maurice Hester Sentenced to 64 Months for Tax Fraud, Milledgeville … · Georgia
- Irene Tamika Smith, Tax Fraud Conspiracy, Cordele GA, 2023 · Georgia
Key Facts
- State: Georgia
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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