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Great Neck Resident Among 5 Businessmen Busted In $673M Money Laundering Scheme: Feds Great Neck Resident Among 5 Businessmen Busted In $673M Money Laundering Scheme: Feds
Great Neck Resident Among 5 Businessmen Busted In $673M Money Laundering Scheme: Feds Five businessmen, including one from Long Island, laundered millions of dollars a day in cash through fronts they set up in New York City’s Diamond District, federal authorities charged. Federal agents tied the quintet to $673 million in dirty money laundered through illicit operations over the past four years, US Attorney for New Jersey Philip R. Sellinger said. In exchange, Youssef Janfar, aka “Joe Rodeo,” age 57, of Great Neck, and Edison, New Jersey residents Raj Vaidya, age 26; Rakesh Vaidya, age 51; Shrey Vaidya, age 23; and Neel Patel, 26, collected sizable fees, he said. Janfar pur…

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by Jerry DeMarco
News
Merrick Businesswoman Convicted Of Obstructing IRS, Filing False Tax Returns Merrick Businesswoman Convicted Of Obstructing IRS, Filing False Tax Returns
Merrick Businesswoman Convicted Of Obstructing IRS, Filing False Tax Returns A New York businesswoman is facing federal prison time after being convicted of obstructing the IRS and filing false tax returns. Long Island resident Lorraine Pilitz, age 64, of Merrick, was found guilty on all five counts against her by a federal jury in Central Islip Wednesday, Nov. 9, following a two-week trial. Federal prosecutors said between 2011 and 2013, Pilitz, who owned several automotive businesses on Long Island, regularly structured cash deposits in a way that allowed her to avoid filing financial reports that are required for all transactions over $10,000. The scheme resulte…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Ex-Owner Of Long Island Commercial Check Cashing Companies Sentenced For $9.5M Fraud Scheme Ex-Owner Of Long Island Commercial Check Cashing Companies Sentenced For $9.5M Fraud Scheme
Ex-Owner Of Long Island Commercial Check Cashing Companies Sentenced For $9.5M Fraud Scheme The former owner of several check cashing businesses in New York is heading to federal prison after admitting to a multimillion-dollar fraud scheme. Long Island resident John Drago, age 58, of Central Islip, was sentenced to four years behind bars Friday, Oct. 21, in federal court in Central Islip. It followed his September 2021 guilty plea to fraud charges, in which he admitted to illegally structuring financial transactions and evading payroll taxes at several of his Long Island businesses. Federal prosecutors said between January 2010 and October 2013, Drago told employees to cash multi…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Ex-NY Bagel Shop Owner Sentenced For $2M Scam Ex-NY Bagel Shop Owner Sentenced For $2M Scam
Ex-NY Bagel Shop Owner Sentenced For $2M Scam A former Hudson Valley resident is heading to federal prison for defrauding prospective franchisees of his bagel company. Joseph Smith, age 57, formerly of Fishkill in Dutchess County, was sentenced to three and a half years behind bars after pleading guilty in February 2022 to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and tax evasion. Federal prosecutors said between 2014 and 2016, Smith sold more than 160 franchises of his company, New York Bagel Enterprises Inc., to individuals in Pennsylvania and other states. The problem, prosecutors said, was that Smith misled operators by guarantee…

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by Michael Mashburn
Business
IRS May Charge Penalty If You're In One of These Categories, Report Says IRS May Charge Penalty If You're In One of These Categories, Report Says
IRS May Charge Penalty If You're In One of These Categories, Report Says Some Americans may find unexpected items in their mailbox as the IRS levies certain tax penalties against them if they find themselves in one of several categories, according to a new report. According to fool.com, individual taxpayers, business owners, and those who entrust their finances to others could face potential penalties for these infractions: Individual Taxpayers Failure to file: A penalty is levied for those who fail to file their taxes each year; Failure to pay: Those who owe the IRS money after filing and fail to pay may also be financially dinged; Inaccurate return: Those w…

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by Zak Failla
Business
Where's My Refund? IRS Facing Staff Shortages Amid Backup In Processing Tax Returns Where's My Refund? IRS Facing Staff Shortages Amid Backup In Processing Tax Returns
Where's My Refund? IRS Facing Staff Shortages Amid Backup In Processing Tax Returns With the 2022 tax season coming to its conclusion, the IRS is cautioning that some Americans could see delays in receiving their refunds as the agency deals with a staffing shortage and backlog of unprocessed returns. IRS Commission Chuck Rettig acknowledged that his organization is contending with issues and the continued fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, which is expected to lead to some receiving their returns later than expected. Original story - Here's How Long It Should Take To Get A Tax Refund After Filing, IRS Says “The IRS is serving more people and entities in a global environmen…

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by Zak Failla
News
Here's How Long It Should Take To Get A Tax Refund After Filing, IRS Says Here's How Long It Should Take To Get A Tax Refund After Filing, IRS Says
Here's How Long It Should Take To Get A Tax Refund After Filing, IRS Says With tax season rapidly approaching, many Americans have started filing and are now anxiously awaiting their refund check from the IRS. Despite facing a backlog and staffing issues due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, most Americans can expect their refund checks to arrive within weeks of filing their taxes, according to officials. Once filed, the IRS said that Americans can expect their refund money to arrive within 21 days, pending certain delays. The cash can also be tracked approximately 24 hours after filing through the IRS website. Where’s My Refund? According to the IRS, in 2022, …

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by Zak Failla
News
Gambino Family Captain Sentenced For Racketeering, Ordered To Pay $1M Gambino Family Captain Sentenced For Racketeering, Ordered To Pay $1M
Gambino Family Captain Sentenced For Racketeering, Ordered To Pay $1M A high-ranking member of the Gambino organized crime family of La Cosa Nostra living lavishly in Westchester will spend time behind bars and pay a million dollars for his role in a racketeering conspiracy. Scarsdale resident Andrew Campos, age 51, was sentenced in federal court to 37 months in prison for the conspiracy. The court also ordered him to pay $1 million in restitution and a $15,000 fine. In January 2021, Campos pleaded guilty and admitted to participating in various acts of wire fraud and money laundering. US Attorney Breon Peace said that Campos and his co-conspirators carried …

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by Zak Failla
News
Here's Who Will Be Eligible For $5,000 Stimulus Checks Here's Who Will Be Eligible For $5,000 Stimulus Checks
Here's Who Will Be Eligible For $5,000 Stimulus Checks It is unlikely that the federal government will distribute a fresh round of stimulus checks to most Americans again, but some will qualify for some financial assistance in 2022. During the COVID-19 pandemic, eligible Americans received as many as three stimulus checks to help them ride out the pandemic, though a fourth is unlikely, outside of a specific group. Parents who gave birth to a child in 2021 will be eligible for a 2022 stimulus check of up to $1,400, similar to the third round that was issued in March last year. Eligible new parents who inform the IRS they had a baby — or babies …

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by Zak Failla
News
NY Contractor Admits To $1.5M Tax Evasion NY Contractor Admits To $1.5M Tax Evasion
NY Contractor Admits To $1.5M Tax Evasion A Westchester County contractor pleaded guilty to charges related to his role in a scheme to avoid paying federal income taxes and conceal more than $1.5 million in income from his business. Mario Nunes, age 59, of Yonkers, pleaded guilty to tax evasion and filing false federal income tax returns on Tuesday, Jan. 11, according to Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York. “As he admitted in court, the defendant engaged in a scheme to evade paying federal income taxes for years, including by concealing business income, making false statements to the IR…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
Here's What Group Of People Will Get A Federal Stimulus Check In 2022 Here's What Group Of People Will Get A Federal Stimulus Check In 2022
Here's What Group Of People Will Get A Federal Stimulus Check In 2022 It is unlikely that the federal government will distribute a fresh round of stimulus checks to most Americans again, but some will qualify for some financial assistance in 2022. During the COVID-19 outbreak, eligible Americans received as many as three stimulus checks to help them ride out the pandemic, though a fourth is unlikely, outside of a specific group. Parents who gave birth to a child in 2021 will be eligible for a 2022 stimulus check of up to $1,400, similar to the third round that was issued in March. Eligible new parents who inform the IRS they had a baby — or babies — when th…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Alert Issued For Child Tax Credit Payment Scams COVID-19: Alert Issued For Child Tax Credit Payment Scams
Covid-19: Alert Issued For Child Tax Credit Payment Scams Opportunistic fraudsters have taken advantage of some consumers during the COVID-19 pandemic, this time targeting child tax credit payments that have been sent out to assist families. The IRS recently issued an alert after it began sending tens of millions of dollars to families, though scammers have been attempting to pull a fast one over on some to steal thousands of dollars in federal benefits. According to the IRS, scammers have been reaching out to families using emails, text messages, and through social media, asking to verify personal information to receive the child tax credit payme…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
Trump Organization, CFO Charged With 15 Felonies For Alleged Years-Long Tax Scheme Trump Organization, CFO Charged With 15 Felonies For Alleged Years-Long Tax Scheme
Trump Organization, CFO Charged With 15 Felonies For Alleged Years-Long Tax Scheme The Trump Organization and its longtime CFO Allen Weisselberg have been charged with 15 felony counts in an effort to evade taxes over the course of 15 years, according to a newly unsealed indictment released in federal court. Weisselberg, who is accused of evading nearly $2 million in taxes, surrendered to Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance Jr. on Thursday, July 1, and pleaded not guilty to felony charges that include criminal tax fraud, conspiracy, and falsifying business records. He was released following the court appearance, though his passport had to be surrendered to the court. The charges rep…

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by Zak Failla
News
NY Prosecutors Inform Trump Organization It Could Face Criminal Charges In Days NY Prosecutors Inform Trump Organization It Could Face Criminal Charges In Days
NY Prosecutors Inform Trump Organization It Could Face Criminal Charges In Days The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has informed lawyers for the Trump Organization that it could be facing criminal charges as soon as next week. According to reports, charges stemming from allegations of tax evasion over compensation paid out to top executives could be filed as soon as Monday, June 28. Allen Weisselberg, the Trump Organization CFO could also face charges next week as he faces scrutiny for benefits he received, including a company-funded apartment and car. Attorney Ron Fischetti said that lawyers for the Trump Organization met with prosecutors on Thursday, June 24. …

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by Zak Failla
News
Employee Accused Of Stealing More Than $143,000 From Nassau County Business Employee Accused Of Stealing More Than $143,000 From Nassau County Business
Employee Accused Of Stealing More Than $143,000 From Nassau County Business A Long Island woman is facing time behind bars after allegedly stealing thousands from a company that provides services to children with developmental delays. Huntington Station woman Patricia Sales, age 46, was arrested this week after she allegedly stole more than $143,000 from her employer while working as the Director of Finance for All About Kids. Specifically, Sales was charged with a felony count of second-degree grand larceny. Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said that as part of her duties at All About Kids, Sales had access to the company’s payroll and accounting …

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Letter From White House With Stimulus Payment Info Not A Scam, IRS Says COVID-19: Letter From White House With Stimulus Payment Info Not A Scam, IRS Says
Covid-19: Letter From White House With Stimulus Payment Info Not A Scam, IRS Says Americans who received a stimulus check during the COVID-19 pandemic can expect to see a letter coming in the mail from President Joe Biden. The IRS wants consumers to know that letters coming from the White House bearing Biden’s name and signature are not part of a scheme, and are filled with tax information on COVID-19 stimulus payments. Recently, the IRS has been issuing letters from the White House outlining how much money was issued for stimulus payments and providing a website to obtain more information. The letters are written on White House stationery with Biden’s signature on the …

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by Zak Failla
News
Nationally Known Westchester Restaurant Owner Sentenced For Not Paying Taxes Nationally Known Westchester Restaurant Owner Sentenced For Not Paying Taxes
Nationally Known Westchester Restaurant Owner Sentenced For Not Paying Taxes A nationally known celebrity chef known as “Lord of the Pies” who owns restaurants in Westchester and Fairfield counties will spend time behind bars after admitting to not paying taxes. Bruno DiFabio, age 51, of Ridgefield, was sentenced on Thursday, May 6 to 30 days in prison, followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to a federal tax offense in 2018. Specifically, DiFabio pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to file false income tax returns and payroll tax returns.  Currently, DiFabio has ownership interests in several pizza restaurants in Connecticut …

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Beware Of These Vaccine, Stimulus Scams, NY Attorney General Says COVID-19: Beware Of These Vaccine, Stimulus Scams, NY Attorney General Says
Covid-19: Beware Of These Vaccine, Stimulus Scams, NY Attorney General Says Opportunistic fraudsters have been taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic recently, prompting Attorney General Letitia James to issue a warning to New Yorkers. James said that New Yorkers should remain vigilant about scams related to the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically vaccine and stimulus check schemes that have become more prevalent as the country combats the spread of the virus. 
“As more New Yorkers become eligible for the vaccine that will help prevent the spread of the disease and a new round of stimulus payments are sent out to combat the economic fallout of the pandemic, scammers…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
COVID-19: Still Waiting On Stimulus Check? Here's New Info On Status COVID-19: Still Waiting On Stimulus Check? Here's New Info On Status
Covid-19: Still Waiting On Stimulus Check? Here's New Info On Status Some Americans are still waiting on the third round of COVID-19 stimulus checks as the federal government continues sending out millions of payments to those waiting. Two rounds of the latest batch of COVID-19 have already been distributed to eligible taxpayers who provided direct deposit information on their 2019 or 2020 returns, providing some relief to Americans struggling during the pandemic. According to the IRS, it has already distributed approximately 127 million payments for a total of $325 billion under President Joe Biden’s American Rescue Plan. For the third stimulus payment, 30…

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by Zak Failla
Lifestyle
COVID-19: Here's How Many Stimulus Checks Treasury Has Sent, How To Track Status Of Yours COVID-19: Here's How Many Stimulus Checks Treasury Has Sent, How To Track Status Of Yours
Covid-19: Here's How Many Stimulus Checks Treasury Has Sent, How To Track Status Of Yours Tens of millions of Americans have received their third COVID-19 stimulus relief checks worth a total of $242 billion as part of President Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan. According to a report released on Wednesday, March 17 from government agencies, approximately 90 million $1,400 checks have been cut to Americans, with most sent by direct deposit.  Approximately 150,000 physical checks worth approximately $442 were also sent out in the first wave. The first round of payments started showing up in people’s bank accounts this weekend, the Treasury Department and IRS annou…

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by Zak Failla
Business
COVID-19: Here's How To Track Status Of Stimulus Check COVID-19: Here's How To Track Status Of Stimulus Check
Covid-19: Here's How To Track Status Of Stimulus Check Impatient Americans waiting on their third COVID-19 stimulus check now have a tool as the IRS reopened its “Get My Payment” tool. Using the online aid, taxpayers can keep track of their $1,400 payment that started hitting some Americans’ bank account as recently as this weekend. “Get My Payment” is updated daily, typically overnight, and is a means to avoid having Americans flooding the IRS phone lines asking where their stimulus check is. Officials noted that those working the phones do not have any information that isn’t listed on the IRS website. To check the status, one simply has to g…

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by Zak Failla
Politics
COVID-19: Here's Percentage Of Americans Who Support Biden Stimulus Bill, Raising Minimum Wage COVID-19: Here's Percentage Of Americans Who Support Biden Stimulus Bill, Raising Minimum Wage
Covid-19: Here's Percentage Of Americans Who Support Biden Stimulus Bill, Raising Minimum Wage The majority of Americans support President Joe Biden’s proposed stimulus bill, as well as raising the national minimum wage to $15, according to a newly released Quinnipiac University poll. With millions of Americans struggling financially due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the bulk of those polled were in favor of anything that will put more cash in their pockets during the pandemic. Related story - COVID-19: Here's Who's Expected To Qualify For Third IRS Stimulus Check A total of 1,075 American adults nationwide were surveyed from Thursday, Jan. 28 through Monday, Feb. 1.  Ne…

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by Zak Failla
News
Accountant From Long Island Admits To Federal Tax Charge Accountant From Long Island Admits To Federal Tax Charge
Accountant From Long Island Admits To Federal Tax Charge A Long Island accountant who worked for a pizzeria owner with locations in Fairfield and Westchester counties is facing prison time after he admitted to tax offenses. Suffolk County resident James Guerra, age 58, of Dix Hills, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court to one count of willful failure to collect and pay over withholding taxes following his arrest for turning a blind eye to his boss failing to pay taxes. U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut John Durham said that Guerra worked as an accountant for Bruno DeFabio, who owned these restaurants in Westchester and Fairfield coun…

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by Zak Failla
News
Here Are Four Ways To Avoid Stimulus Check Scams Here Are Four Ways To Avoid Stimulus Check Scams
Here Are Four Ways To Avoid Stimulus Check Scams Consumer protection and law enforcement agencies are warning people to be wary of scams associated with stimulus checks. To avoid scammers, the Department of Consumer Protection is circulating tips on how to identify, stop, and/or report fraudsters going after stimulus checks. The second round of stimulus checks to help Americans deal with an economy hampered by COVID-19 began arriving in people’s mailboxes and direct-deposit accounts in late December. Single people will get $600, a married couple will get $1,200, and there will be an additional $600 per child to families. Everyone who qual…

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by Kristin Palpini
News
COVID-19: Here's What To Know About New Stimulus Check COVID-19: Here's What To Know About New Stimulus Check
Covid-19: Here's What To Know About New Stimulus Check Relief is now finally on the way for Americans amid the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. It took more than a week of drama after Congressional leaders unveiled an approximately $900 billion stimulus deal on Sunday, Dec. 20that will provide Americans that qualify direct payments of $600 for individuals to help offset the hardships caused during the crisis. The $600 is half of what was directed during the first round of stimulus checks earlier this year. Payments are phased down from $600 for those making more than $75,000 annually and are completely phased out for indivi…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: Here's When To Expect Second Stimulus Check To Arrive COVID-19: Here's When To Expect Second Stimulus Check To Arrive
Covid-19: Here's When To Expect Second Stimulus Check To Arrive Relief is on the way for Americans financially strapped during the COVID-19 crisis. Congressional leaders unveiled on Sunday, Dec. 20 an approximately $900 billion stimulus deal that will provide Americans that qualify direct payments of $600 to help offset the hardships caused during the pandemic. The $600 is half of what was directed during the first round of stimulus checks earlier this year. Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin told CNBC on Monday that the checks could be in Americans’ bank accounts in a matter of just a few days for those who have direct deposit info on file with the IRS.…

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by Zak Failla
News
NYC Restaurateur From Nassau County Sentenced For Tax Evasion Scheme NYC Restaurateur From Nassau County Sentenced For Tax Evasion Scheme
NYC Restaurateur From Nassau County Sentenced For Tax Evasion Scheme A Manhattan restaurateur from Long Island will spend time behind bars after he admitted to a near million dollar tax evasion scheme. Nassau County resident Adel Kellel, 63, of New Hyde Park, the former owners of Raffles Bistro in New York City, has been sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty in Manhattan federal court earlier this year to a $771,195 scheme, acting U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss said. In addition to his prison term, Kellel was also ordered to pay $613,478 in restitution to the IRS and $157,717 to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Strauss s…

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by Zak Failla
News
Fifth Man Pleads Guilty On Long Island To $2M Scheme Impersonating Federal Employees Fifth Man Pleads Guilty On Long Island To $2M Scheme Impersonating Federal Employees
Fifth Man Pleads Guilty On Long Island To $2M Scheme Impersonating Federal Employees An Indian national became the fifth person to plead guilty in federal court on Long Island to federal charges for his role in running a multi-million dollar transnational fraud scheme. Ajay Sharma, a citizen of India who served as the director and owner of APS Technology, a telemarketing call center located in New Delhi, pleaded guilty this week in Central Islip federal court to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in connection with a fraudulent scheme targeting thousands of Americans. Four of Sharma’s co-conspirators - Bellrose resident Ankur Sharma, Queens Village resident Harpreet Singh, Hu…

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by Zak Failla
News
Here's Why IRS Is Sending Money To 13.9 Million Americans Here's Why IRS Is Sending Money To 13.9 Million Americans
Here's Why IRS Is Sending Money To 13.9 Million Americans Americans who filed their 2019 tax returns on time but still haven't received their refunds will be getting interest payments from the IRS, which attributes delays in payments to complications caused by COVID-19. The deadline to file tax returns on time was July 15, which was postponed by three months from the original deadline on April 15 due to COVID-19. Payments will be $18 on average, according to a press release from the agency.  Taxpayers whose refunds are typically received via direct deposit -- 12 million of the total 13.9 million set to receive payouts -- will also have this …

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by Christina Coulter
News
Nassau Accountant Arrested for Allegedly Stealing $320K From Clients Nassau Accountant Arrested for Allegedly Stealing $320K From Clients
Nassau Accountant Arrested for Allegedly Stealing $320K From Clients A Long Island accountant will face more than a decade behind bars after he was arrested for allegedly stealing more than $320,000 from a pair of clients. Baldwin resident Francisco Esquivel, 65, the owner of Lore Franc, Inc. in Hempstead, was arraigned on Thursday, Aug. 20 for allegedly embezzling $327,499 from two local business owners between 2012 and 2017. District Attorney Madeline Singas said that Esquivel’s victims hired his company to pay their quarterly taxes, Workers Compensation Insurance, and manage payrolls. Esquivel’s first victim was approached by an employee of Lore Frank in…

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by Zak Failla
Business
Don't Toss That Envelope From Omaha -- It Has Your Federal Stimulus Prepaid Debit Card Don't Toss That Envelope From Omaha -- It Has Your Federal Stimulus Prepaid Debit Card
Don't Toss That Envelope From Omaha -- It Has Your Federal Stimulus Prepaid Debit Card If a plain white envelope from Omaha, Nebraska arrives in the mail, don’t throw it away. It may be your federal stimulus payment. Last week, the IRS and U.S. Treasury Department began mailing Economic Impact Payments as prepaid debit cards. In addition to a P.O. Box in Omaha, the return address says the letter is from "Money Network Cardholder Services." Nearly 4 million Americans waiting for their slice of the $2.2 trillion CARES Act are expected to get their stimulus money in the form of an EIP Card, as opposed to a paper check signed by President Donald J. Trump. The trouble is, th…

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by Jon Craig