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Wahead Raz, Bribing an IRS Officer, California 2024
A San Diego business owner has pleaded guilty to bribing an IRS officer to wipe away his half million-dollar tax debt.
Wahead Raz, 34, pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he paid an Internal Revenue Service officer $35,000 to wipe away his outstanding tax debt of approximately $500,000.
The crime took place on July 23, 2024, when Raz offered the bribe to an IRS revenue officer during a meeting at the San Diego IRS office to discuss his outstanding tax debt. After the meeting, the IRS officer immediately reported the bribe to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and agreed to be part of an undercover operation to record Raz’s crime.
“Attempting to bribe an IRS officer is not just a terrible idea—it’s a federal crime,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Not surprisingly, the integrity of the IRS held firm, ensuring this defendant will be accountable for both his unpaid taxes and attempting to undermine the system.”
Raz is charged with bribery and is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. before U.S. District Judge John A. Houston. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Conover.
MANDATORY FACTS
Defendant/respondent: Wahead Raz
Criminal charges: Bribery
City and state: San Diego, California
Exact date: July 23, 2024
Sentence or outcome: Scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, 2025
Dollar amounts: $500,000 (outstanding tax debt), $35,000 (bribe)
ARRESTING AGENTS
The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) conducted a video recorded meeting between the IRS officer and Raz at the IRS office in San Diego on July 24, 2024. During the meeting, Raz told the IRS officer that he could pay in cash so the bribe would not be traceable.
SENTENCING HEARING
Raz is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. before U.S. District Judge John A. Houston.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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