Law Enforcement

EU institutions reach historic deal on EU-wide collective redress law

The EU institutions approved a law which would allow citizens in all EU countries to go to court as a group if they have suffered the same damage. Consumer groups have been advocating for such a law for more than 30 years.

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Portuguese woman jailed in WA for nine years for importing cocaine in toiletries

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USCIS Provides Greater Flexibility in Processing Work Authorization Requests for Asylum Applicants

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on June 19,2020 announced a regulatory change to provide greater flexibility in the processing of initial employment authorization documents (commonly called EADs) for asylum applicants by removing the burdensome and agency-imposed 30-day time frame. The final rule becomes effective on Aug. 21.

Operators of California Charity Plead Guilty to Mail Fraud Conspiracy and Tax Evasion

Sold Over $1 Million in Donated Clothes for their Personal Benefit

A California couple pleaded guilty to conspiring to commit mail fraud and tax evasion, on June 9, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Robert S. Brewer, Jr. for the Southern District of California.

Justice Department Seeks to Shut Down Fraudulent Chicagoland Tax Return Business

Markham, Illinois Preparers Allegedly Fabricate Credits and Deductions

The United States has filed a complaint seeking to permanently bar Markham, Illinois tax preparer Patricia Rivers, her daughter-in-law, Ki’esha M. Gary, and Rivers’s business, Alpha II Omega Tax, from preparing federal tax returns for others, the Justice Department announced on June 5.

Justice Department Files Its First Enforcement Action Against COVID-19 Fraud

Federal Court Issues Temporary Restraining Order Against Website Offering Fraudulent Coronavirus Vaccine

The Department of Justice announced on March 22 that it has taken its first action in federal court to combat fraud related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The enforcement action filed on March 22 in Austin against operators of a fraudulent website follows Attorney General William Barr’s recent direction for the department to prioritize the detection, investigation, and prosecution of illegal conduct related to the pandemic.

Brooklyn Tax Preparer Sentenced to Prison for Preparing Fraudulent Returns

A Brooklyn, New York, tax return preparer was sentenced to 15 months in prison for preparing false returns for his clients and himself, on March 6, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Richard P. Donoghue for the Eastern District of New York.

Oklahoma Business Owner Indicted for Tax Fraud

A federal grand jury in Tulsa, Oklahoma, returned an indictment last Wednesday charging a Bristow, Oklahoma, business owner with filing false tax returns, on March 6, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney R. Trent Shores for the Northern District of Oklahoma.

Founder of Russian Bank Charged with Tax Fraud

Allegedly Concealed $1 Billion in Assets and Income when Renouncing U.S. Citizenship

The founder of a Russian bank was arrested last week in London in connection with an indictment charging him with filing false tax returns, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division, U.S. Attorney David L. Anderson for the Northern District of California, and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Criminal Investigation, Special Agent in Charge Kareem Carter. The Sept. 26, 2019, indictment was unsealed on March 5.

Former Forsyth County Commissioner Pleads Guilty to Tax Fraud

A former Forsyth County Commissioner pleaded guilty to filing false tax returns and failing to file a tax return, on March 4, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Richard E. Zuckerman of the Justice Department’s Tax Division and U.S. Attorney Matthew G.T. Martin for the Middle District of North Carolina.