Saleem Hakim, Tax Evasion, Georgia 2023

Atlanta, Georgia – A federal jury in Atlanta convicted Saleem Hakim, 54, of tax evasion and failing to file tax returns, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.

Hakim, a precious metals dealer, earned over $1 million in commissions from the sales of precious metals between 2011 and 2013, but did not file income tax returns for those years. The evidence introduced at trial also showed that from 2020 through 2022, Hakim and his wife worked for businesses in Atlanta that bought and sold jewelry and luxury handbags, earning a combined income of more than $260,000, yet did not file tax returns.

The evidence established that Hakim attempted to hide his and his wife’s income from the IRS by diverting his income into a trust that he established after being initially charged with tax crimes for tax years 2011 through 2013. In addition, Hakim attempted to obstruct the investigation into his tax misconduct for 2020 through 2022 by drafting a letter for a witness falsely stating he did not have any business records in his possession relating to the Hakims.

Hakim faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for each tax evasion charge and one year in prison on each failure to file charge. He also faces a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. Sentencing is scheduled for April 30.

Acting Deputy Assistant Attorney General Stuart M. Goldberg made the announcement. The IRS Criminal Investigation is investigating the case. Trial Attorneys Melissa S. Siskind and Colleen McCarthy of the Tax Division prosecuted the case, with the assistance of Paralegal Robert Resto of the Tax Division and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia.

Hakim’s lavish lifestyle, funded by his commissions, included purchases of high-end watches, jewelry, designer accessories, and furs. The conviction is a result of a thorough investigation and prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia and the Tax Division of the Justice Department.

Mandatory Facts: Defendant Saleem Hakim was convicted of tax evasion and failing to file tax returns in Atlanta, Georgia. The crime occurred between 2011 and 2022. Sentencing is scheduled for April 30. Hakim faces up to 10 years in prison, a period of supervised release, restitution, and monetary penalties. He earned over $1 million in commissions between 2011 and 2013 and over $260,000 from 2020 through 2022.

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