Blaine man charged with tobacco-related tax crime

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Anoka County Attorney’s Office recently charged Yusor Ghassan Abu Al-Hajaa, of Blaine, with one felony count of possessing untaxed tobacco products.

According to the complaint, Revenue officials conducted a random tobacco retail inspection of Mr. Al-Hajaa’s business, Andover Tobacco, in January 2023. During the inspection they allegedly found over $4,000 in vape tobacco products that did not have a valid purchase invoice from a licensed distributor. Revenue officials seized the contraband tobacco products, and the complaint states the products were determined to be contraband because the required tobacco tax was not paid on them. 

The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail, a $10,000 fine, or both. Defendants are presumed to be innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This is an example of the department’s ongoing efforts to uniformly enforce the state’s cigarette and tobacco laws. For more information on the tax laws related to tobacco products in Minnesota, visit our website. 

Although most taxpayers comply with tax laws voluntarily, the Minnesota Department of Revenue takes enforcement action against noncompliant taxpayers to ensure that tax laws are administered fairly.

The Minnesota Department of Revenue has a 24-hour tip line for anyone who suspects that a person or business is violating Minnesota tax laws.  Local callers may dial 651-297-5195 or call toll-free by dialing 1-800-657-3500.  Tips can also be submitted to the department via email at tax.fraud@state.mn.us. Tipsters may choose to remain anonymous. 

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