Illinois man charged with tobacco-related tax crimes

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the St. Louis County Attorney’s Office recently charged Muwafak S. Rizek, of Orland Park, Illinois, with one felony count of possessing untaxed tobacco products, one felony count of purchasing tobacco products from an unlicensed seller, and one felony count of preparing and presenting a fraudulent invoice.

According to the complaint, Revenue Tax Specialists conducted a random tobacco retail inspection of Mr. Rizek’s I-Mart gas station and convenience store located in Chisholm. Invoices for vape products displayed in the store allegedly could not be located, a violation of Minnesota law. When questioned about the missing invoices, Mr. Rizek texted an invoice for some of the products that showed it was purchased from an unlicensed seller located in China. The untaxed vape products were seized, and Mr. Rizek was informed of his right to contest the seizure. The complaint states that Mr. Rizek did not appeal the seizure. The complaint goes on to say that Mr. Rizek owns 15 other stores around the state and has had multiple seizures of tobacco products due to similar tax compliance issues within the last year. According to the complaint, it was determined that the unpaid tax on the seized vape products was over $13,400.

The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of one year plus one day in jail. 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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