A recent federal appeals court case provides a glimpse into how criminals commit tax fraud.

The defendant and co-conspirators used stolen identities to fraudulently obtain tax refunds. Over the course of the scheme, he endorsed and deposited over 300 illegally obtained refund checks totaling more than $1.9 million into multiple bank accounts that he maintained. Additionally, he moved money between the accounts and utilized front businesses to hide and launder the illicitly obtained funds.

The court affirmed the defendant’s conviction for aggravated identity theft, conspiracy and theft of government funds incident to tax fraud.

He was sentenced to 75 months in prison. (Bailey, CA2, 7/21/20)