Florida man charged with multiple tax crimes
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office recently charged Murtatha Al-Hussein with four felony counts of filing false or fraudulent individual income tax returns, two felony counts of willfully failing to file individual income tax returns, and four felony counts of failing to pay income tax.
The complaint states that Revenue investigators received a referral from the Illinois Department of Revenue regarding possible tobacco smuggling activity by Mr. Al-Hussein. Department investigators examined Mr. Al-Hussein’s income tax filing history while he was living in Minnesota and determined that he allegedly filed fraudulent individual income tax returns by not reporting multiple, large dollar cash deposits as income in tax years 2017 through 2020. He also allegedly failed to file income tax returns altogether in 2021 and 2022. The complaint alleges that Mr. Al-Hussein owes more than $119,000 in income tax, penalties, and interest.
Based on the referral, Minnesota Revenue obtained search warrants and examined Mr. Al-Hussein’s travel activity. The complaint states that they found that he frequently visited multiple tobacco wholesalers in the Chicago area before driving his cargo van back to Minnesota. According to the complaint, this travel pattern is highly similar to other individuals known to smuggle tobacco products into Minnesota from Illinois. As the investigation continued, Revenue officials determined that Mr. Al-Hussein moved to Florida. The complaint states that Florida law enforcement officers delivered him a letter requesting that he contact the department. Mr. Al-Hussein has yet to respond to the letter.
Each tax-related felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Although most taxpayers comply with tax laws voluntarily, the department takes enforcement action against noncompliant taxpayers to ensure that tax laws are administered fairly.
Many of the department’s criminal case referrals come from public tips. There is 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 by email at tax.fraud@state.mn.us. Tipsters may choose to remain anonymous.
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