Man reaches plea deal in health fraud case Aug 29, 2008
Estill Mitts faces 25 years in prison and could pay up to $11 million in restitution after agreeing to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit health fraud, money laundering and tax evasion. He is expected to enter his pleas Sept. 10. (Fresno Bee -- State)
Deep divisions Aug 28, 2008
His wife was sentenced to three years in prison for tax evasion. Reading the signs, the family moved back into exile in Britain. (BBC News)
LETTERS: NCT, Aug. 27, 2008 Aug 28, 2008
There are other crackpot theories that abound in the world, such as that the 16th Amendment (Income Tax) is also illegal (many of whose members are currently in federal prison for tax evasion), or the Geocentricity Foundation that claims a Biblical basis for asserting that the sun goes around the earth, or the long-standing Flat Earth Society. How many of these does "Nick" also subscribe to and, of course, we are still waiting for him to tell us how and why he was specially chosen to receive... (North County Times)
The World's Richest Tax Cheats Aug 28, 2008
To be included, an individual had to be convicted of tax evasion, or had to accept responsibility for the charges levied against him (as former Samsung Group Chairman Lee Kun-Hee did in April when he was indicted on charges of tax evasion and breach of trust) ... There's Leona Helmsley, the "mistress of mean," who reportedly claimed that "only the little people pay taxes." Convicted of tax evasion in 1989, she remained a billionaire until her death in 2007 ... By 1983, a canny federal prosecutor... (Forbes)
The World's Most Wanted White-Collar Fugitives Aug 28, 2008
Commodities trader Marc Rich fled the U.S. for Switzerland in the 1980s to avoid tax evasion charges and an allegation of illegally doing business with Iran. He will never be brought to justice after securing a pardon from President Bill Clinton. (Forbes)
Construction company owner pleads guilty to tax evasion Aug 26, 2008
Leroy Edward Felt Jr., 43, formerly of Palm Beach County, pleaded guilty on Friday for his participation in a long-term federal payroll tax evasion scheme in the operation of his Margate business, Woody s Construction, according to state and federal investigators. Felt, who was the company s owner, paid his employees in cash and under-reported his payroll taxes between 1997 and 2003, according to court documents. (South Florida Business Journal, FL)
Protesters storm government offices in Thailand Aug 26, 2008
The couple left Thailand after Pojaman was sentenced July 31 to three years in jail for tax evasion. After attending the Olympics in Beijing, they failed to return home for a scheduled court date. (International Herald Tribune -- Ed/Op)
Retroactive changes to Income Tax Act 'bad for rule of law' Aug 24, 2008
This rule is to stop tax avoidance, which is not a criminal offence, whereas tax evasion is. Liptak said what was worse was that the national treasury seemed to have adopted a new effective date default rule, which guaranteed an element of retrospectivity in most cases. (Business Report, South Africa)
Thai monarch is world's richest royal ! Aug 23, 2008
Forbes said the 15 monarchs on its list had a combined wealth of $131 bn, up from $95 bn last year, adding that they had managed to hold on to their riches "despite controversy ranging from tax evasion to the dissolution of parliaments in Swaziland and Kuwait". It did, however, warn that its wealth estimates were "a blend or art and science" because the relationship between individual and state wealth was not always clear. (India Times)
Yukos boss parole plea rejected Aug 23, 2008
A court in Chita, Siberia, ruled against the 45-year-old who is currently serving an eight-year jail sentence for tax evasion and fraud. The judge added he had refused the application as Mr Khordokovsky had refused to attend a professional education programme at his prison. (BBC News -- Europe)
* Johnny Neihu's News Watch: Even worse than taike Doritos Aug 23, 2008
In which case this is really a case of tax evasion X and hes got a lot of explaining to do to presidential wannabe Frank Hsieh () as to why he didnt use more of this dough to help poor ol Frankies lackluster campaign. But we Taiwanese can be forgiven if we dont quite buy the leftovers line. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
* World News Quick Take Aug 23, 2008
The judge said Khodorkovsky was ineligible for early release from a sentence for tax evasion and fraud because he had refused to undertake professional training at his prison, which specializes in sewing, and because of an incident in which he flouted prison rules. UNITED STATES. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Russian oil tycoon denied parole Aug 23, 2008
Khodorkovsky - the former head of Yukos oil company and once the richest man in Russia- was sentenced to prison for eight years in 2005 on charges of tax evasion and fraud in what Kremlin critics said was a flawed trial. "Prisoner Khodorkovsky does not deserve conditional early release," Judge Igor Faliliyev said at the Ingodinsky regional court in the Siberian city of Chita. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Mikhail Khodorkovsky loses his bid for parole from Russian prison Aug 23, 2008
Khodorkovsky, the former head of the Yukos oil company and once the richest man in Russia, was sentenced to prison for eight years in 2005 in what Kremlin critics said was a flawed trial on charges of tax evasion and fraud. "Prisoner Khodorkovsky does not deserve conditional early release," Judge Igor Faliliyev said at the Ingodinsky regional court in the Siberian city of Chita. (International Herald Tribune)
Wal-Mart Settles Former Exec's Retirement Benefits Suit for $6.75 Million Aug 22, 2008
In 2006, Coughlin pleaded guilty to federal charges of wire fraud and tax evasion after admitting in court to defrauding the company to pay for the care of his hunting dogs, lease a private hunting area, upgrade his pickup truck, buy liquor and a cooler, and receive $3,100 in cash, among other items. The items were worth a minuscule amount when compared with his $1 million-plus yearly salary. (Law.com)
Russian Court Delays Khodorkovsky Parole Decision Aug 22, 2008
He was sentenced in 2005 to an eight-year term for tax evasion and fraud and has been eligible for parole for the past 10 months. Even if granted parole, Khodorkovsky faces new charges and will be detained at least until Nov. 2. (Law.com)
Russian court rejects Khodorkovsky parole Aug 22, 2008
Khodorkovsky, who is serving an eight-year jail term for tax evasion and fraud, says he is the victim of corrupt officials under former President Vladimir Putin who wanted to carve up his business empire and who feared his political ambitions. The judge in the Ingodinsky regional court in the eastern Siberian city of Chita said Khodorkovsky, once Russia's richest man, would not receive parole because he had not shown sufficient willingness to reform in prison. (International Herald Tribune -- Technology)
Propane dealer pleads guilty to felony tax charges Aug 22, 2008
The business owner pled guilty to one Class 4 felony theft count (more than $1,000 but less than $20,000); one Class 5 felony tax evasion count; and one misdemeanor failure to file count. On the felony counts, Johnson received a deferred sentence of 30 months, according to the revenue department. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Wal-Mart to Pay Former Exec Coughlin $6.75 Million Aug 22, 2008
Coughlin pleaded guilty to wire fraud and tax evasion in 2006, admitting he stole thousands of dollars from the world's biggest retailer to upgrade his truck, pay for hunting rights and buy beer. He resigned from Wal-Mart in 2005 following an internal investigation into improper use of gift cards and other expenses. (ABC News -- Wire)
Khodorkovsky parole appeal rejected Aug 22, 2008
Khodorkovsky - the former head of Yukos oil company, and once Russia's richest man - was sentenced to prison for eight years in 2005 on charges of tax evasion and fraud in what Kremlin critics slammed as a flawed trial. "Prisoner Khodorkovsky does not deserve conditional early release," Judge Igor Faliliyev said at the Ingodinsky regional court in the Siberian city of Chita, citing as reasons his refusal to take part in professional training in sewing while in prison, and an alleged misdemeanor... (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
1st Kuwaiti woman MP sworn in Aug 22, 2008
A Russian court rejected jailed former billionaire oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky's request for parole on Friday from a sentence for tax evasion and fraud. World Features. (Yahoo News -- Kuwait)
The World's Richest Royals Aug 22, 2008
So far the 15 rulers on our list have held on to their riches, despite controversy ranging from tax evasion to the dissolution of parliaments in Swaziland and Kuwait ... A major source of his net worth, LGT bank, which his family has run for 70 years, is the focus of a tax evasion scandal for allegedly helping wealthy clients hide their money. (Forbes -- Business)
Russian oil tycoon's parole bid rejected Aug 22, 2008
CHITA, Russia - A Russian court on Friday rejected jailed oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky's request for early release from an eight-year sentence for tax evasion and fraud. Khodorkovsky's lawyer called the decision politically motivated and said he would appeal. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Former Russian tycoon says he won't return to oil industry Aug 21, 2008
He was sentenced in 2005 to an eight-year term for tax evasion and fraud and is eligible for parole under Russian law. "After my release, I do not intend to return to the oil industry," Khodorkovsky told a packed courtroom. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Jailed South Florida former cop transfers Aug 21, 2008
He is serving a sentence of a year and a day for federal tax evasion. Jenne is scheduled to testify this month in a civil suit against BSO regarding the brutal beating of a Broward County jail inmate by fellow inmates. (WSVN-TV Miami, FL)
Socialism: Chavez's Crab Bucket Aug 21, 2008
Rather than leave them alone, he's not only trying to rub their presence out with nationalization, he's also tricked up bogus charges of tax evasion and environmental damage something no nationalized firm has avoided. Chavez has nationalized telecommunications, electricity, farms, iron, steel, oil and banks over two years in a bid to end private property and turn Venezuela into Cuba. (Investors Business Daily)
Thaksin to seek political asylum in Britain Aug 21, 2008
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Different sort of trouble for "Girls Gone Wild" founder Aug 20, 2008
But this time, he is doing battle with an antagonist with enormous influence - the IRS. U.S. prosecutors indicted him on charges of tax evasion in April 2007. Last month, he pleaded not guilty and a trial was scheduled for Sept. 16 in Los Angeles. (International Herald Tribune -- Technology)
Lawyer plans to plead guilty Aug 20, 2008
Douglas Sletten, 62, is charged in federal court with one count of income tax evasion and one count of mail fraud. Authorities said he took the money between 2003 and 2007. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Man arrested on suspicion of possession of and evading taxes on illegal drugs Aug 20, 2008
Just six days removed from prison, a Winona man ran into and away from police early Tuesday, earning him an overnight stay in jail, a shock from a Taser and possible charges of felony drug possession and tax evasion. Dwight Allen Beard, 31, was referred to the county attorney s office for charges of obstruction, fleeing police on foot, felony possession of more than 42. (Winona Daily News, MN)
Last sentencing in N.O. City Hall corruption case Aug 20, 2008
Terry Songy was to be sentenced Wednesday on charges of income tax evasion and conspiracy to commit mail fraud in a scheme uncovered by a federal investigation of former New Orleans Mayor Marc Morial's administration ... Terry Songy, project manager for main contractor Johnson Controls Inc. Pleaded guilty in May 2005 to income tax evasion and conspiracy to commit mail fraud. (WWLTV.com, LA)
The Fives: Pick away Obama and McCain, you probably won't bring out the dregs like this Aug 20, 2008
Agnew was indicted on tax evasion and money laundering charges while he had been governor of Maryland in the mid-1960s. Agnew pleaded no contest to accepting 29,500 in bribes during his tenure as governor of Maryland. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Thais demand ex-PM's extradition Aug 20, 2008
But on 31 July his wife was convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to three years in jail. Analysts say that the couple feared further cases could go against them and decided it was time to leave the country. (BBC News -- Asia-Pacific)
McCain: Iraq victory in sight Aug 19, 2008
Abramoff ultimately went to prison for conspiracy, mail fraud and tax evasion; Reed's association with the former lobbyist contributed to his failure in 2006 to become the Republican candidate for lieutenant governor of Georgia. Obama, meanwhile, has sought to defang McCain's attempt to make the 2008 presidential contest a referendum on Obama's character, experience and readiness for the presidency, while trying to duck his associations with the unpopular President George W. Bush. (India Times, India)
McCain: Obama tried to legislate Iraqi failure Aug 19, 2008
By PHILIP ELLIOTT, Associated Press Writer. Monday, August 18, 2008. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Thai Protesters March to U.K. Embassy in Bangkok, Demand Thaksin's Return Aug 19, 2008
The former first lady was sentenced in July to three years in prison for tax evasion, the first conviction in at least four cases pending against Thaksin and his family. Thaksin, the longest-serving elected leader in Thai history, spent almost 18 months in exile, mostly in London and Hong Kong, after a 2006 coup, before returning to Thailand in February. (Bloomberg -- UK)
Anti-gov't protest stages before British embassy in Bangkok Aug 19, 2008
Both Thaksin and his wife, who was convicted on July 31 on a separate case of tax evasion and released on bail, have denied any wrongdoing. Editor: An. (Xinhuanet, China)
Genesis sisters' sentence: fair or lax? Aug 18, 2008
Elaine Bernard, 48, pleaded no contest to two felonies -- grand theft and tax evasion. She was ordered to serve three years of probation and 300 days on a work furlough program with electronic monitoring. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Govt aims to expand tax net, cut evasion, boost revenue Aug 18, 2008
The directorate will also intensively map taxpayer profiles and set benchmarks for certain sectors and industries in the hope of getting a clearer picture of the amount businesses should pay in taxes and of minimizing tax evasion. "We will adopt a combination of several approaches to try to collect more taxes. "Aside from higher economic growth and commodity prices, which will contribute to an increase in taxes, we also hope our tax intensification and extension program will help boost the state... (Jakarta Post, Indonesia -- Business)
Effutu municipality to benefit from six EU projects Aug 17, 2008
He said as a measure of revenue intensification, the assembly has instituted a revenue check point opposite the Fire Service Office at Winneba Junction to clamp down on illegal activities and tax evasion. Source:GNA. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Liechtenstein signals tax reform Aug 16, 2008
Liechtenstein, which has been at the centre of an international row over tax evasion, has announced that it will co-operate more fully on tax matters. It said it would offer "comprehensive co-operation" in future, but would maintain its "culture of privacy". (BBC News -- Europe)
Liechtenstein says it will squeeze tax cheats Aug 16, 2008
Following the tax evasion scandal, Germany persuaded the European Union to speed up a review of the bloc's rules used to avoid tax on savings. Germany's finance ministry said it had taken note of the prince's speech but had no further comment. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Border, Fence and Mucho Dinero Aug 16, 2008
2 as our legal veterans WTC responders USA citizens are forgotten, sick and as my husband has died from brain cancer, lung cancer and DHS has not returned a call, but told me to hire a lawyer when DHS has worked out the legal limbo with the illegal immigrant lawyers does that mean the lawyer is committing fraud, consipracy and tax evasion. As if we Americans commit fraud, not report to the IRS or tax return for additional income or give a false name, we are fined, thrown in jail, hung out to be... (Yahoo News -- Immigration)
Liechtenstein Planning Steps to Deter Tax Evaders, Financial Times Reports Aug 15, 2008
Otmar Hasler, the principality's prime minister, said that, while bank secrecy won't be eliminated, Liechtenstein is ready to cooperate with other nations against misuse of secrecy laws for tax evasion, the newspaper added. Last Updated: August 15, 2008 01:37 EDT. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
Mystery man behind Liechtenstein tax evasion case Aug 15, 2008
Kieber's treasure trove, which he sold secretly to the authorities in Germany, Britain and the United States details billions of dollars in tax evasion by 1,400 LGT clients, 150 of them American, according to officials who have seen the documents. "He's hunted, he's wanted - this is not what I would call living the good life," said Jack Blum, Kieber's lawyer. (International Herald Tribune)
Liechtenstein to cooperate with foreign states on tax evasion Aug 15, 2008
Liechtenstein ruler Prince Alois on Friday said the principality should cooperate with foreign states on tax evasion issues, saying that changes could yield opportunities for its financial sector ... Liechtenstein came under severe international pressure earlier this year over its banking secrecy laws and anonymous foundations, after Germany launched a massive tax evasion probe on its citizens who hid assets from their tax authorities in Liechtenstein banks ... In remarks published in the... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Poll: Voters support plans for Ohio casino Aug 14, 2008
While Cordray s high-profile elected post gives him a name-recognition edge over Crites, who notably prosecuted baseball legend Pete Rose for tax evasion in 1990, neither candidate attains household-name status. Three out of five voters said they don t know enough about Cordray to form an opinion, while four out of five said the same of Crites. (Columbus Business First, OH)
Abramoff scandal figure raises McCain money Aug 14, 2008
Abramoff went to prison for conspiracy, mail fraud and tax evasion. McCain led a Senate investigation into Abramoff's dealings with Indian tribes, which included information about his ties to Reed. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Judge sentences Ponzi scheme operator to 17 years Aug 14, 2008
A jury found the defendant, James Ray Phipps, guilty last year on three counts of mail fraud, one count of wire fraud, 11 counts of money laundering, one count of corrupt endeavor to obstruct and impede the actions of the (IRS) and three counts of income tax evasion. Phipps ran a pyramid scheme called Life Without Debt from his Colleyville home. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
Former Texas Man Sentenced In Pyramid Investment Scheme Aug 14, 2008
Phipps was convicted of three counts of mail fraud, one count of wire fraud, 11 counts of money laundering, one count of corrupt endeavor to obstruct and impede the IRS and three counts of income tax evasion in 2007. He was arrested in 2006 in Anniston, Ala. (KWTX.com, TX)
Lee's pardons sendmixed message Aug 13, 2008
Former Samsung Group chairman Lee Kun-hee, who recently received a suspended jail sentence for tax evasion and is appealing the ruling, was not included on the list of those to be pardoned because his sentence has yet to be determined. Most of the other convicted businessmen to be pardoned are already out on bail after receiving suspended jail terms on convictions including bribery and accounting fraud. (Asia Times Online)
UBS execs knew of risk of U.S. rule breaches in 06 Aug 13, 2008
Top executives at Swiss bank UBS were aware in 2006 of potential problems over offshore services provided to U.S. clients, long before a U.S. tax evasion probe began, a letter from the bank's chairman shows. UBS confirmed a report in the Financial Times on Wednesday that Peter Kurer, UBS chairman and then the bank's general counsel, wrote in May 2006 to the banker now on trial for helping wealthy American clients evade U.S. taxes. (International Herald Tribune -- Technology)
Frisco nursing home executive sentenced to six years in prison Aug 13, 2008
He also pleaded guilty to tax evasion and aiding and abetting ... Ewing, 60, was convicted of one count of conspiracy, seven counts of tax evasion, five counts of mail fraud, seven counts of making false statements to government agencies and seven counts of making false statements regarding health care. (Dallas Business Journal, TX)
* S Korean president grants amnesty to felon tycoons Aug 13, 2008
He has appealed against a suspended prison sentence imposed last month for tax evasion after he quit the nations biggest business group. Lee Myung-bak, the countrys first president from a business background, won office in December with a pledge to boost economic growth. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Big Island architect gets 6 years in tax case Aug 13, 2008
A Big Island architect has been sentenced to prison for tax evasion and was ordered to pay more than $1 ... Hamlet C. Bennett, a Holualoa resident, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Susan Oki Mollway to 78 months in prison for conspiring to impede and impair the functions of the Internal Revenue Service and for federal tax evasion ... The case went to trial in federal court in Honolulu and Bennett was convicted of one count of conspiracy and five counts of income tax evasion for the years... (Pacific Business News, HI)
Study tallies number of corporations not paying U.S. income tax Aug 13, 2008
In recent years, Levin has held investigations on tax evasion and urged officials and regulators to examine whether corporations were abusing tax laws by shifting income earned in higher-tax jurisdictions, like the United States, to overseas subsidiaries in low-tax jurisdictions. Today in Business with Reuters. (International Herald Tribune)
Post-Thaksin, a calmer Thailand? Aug 13, 2008
But the legal noose closing around his family, including a July 31 conviction of Ms. Pojamarn for tax evasion, will likely keep him at bay for now and could lead to a realignment of dueling political forces, say analysts. "Without Thaksin, people can talk. I think there's a feeling that we should have a new beginning," says Kasit Piromya, a former ambassador to the US and an opposition supporter. (Christian Science Monitor)
Ex-Thai premier flees to Britain Aug 12, 2008
Pojaman was recently sentenced to three years in prison for tax evasion, and the couple faces other cases for corruption and financial misdeeds. "This is what I get for serving the country, the monarchy and the people with hard work and dedication for six years as prime minister," Thaksin wrote. (Boston Globe)
Spitzer call girl in 'Girls Gone Wild' archives was 17, lawyer says (1264) Aug 12, 2008
He still faces trial on federal tax evasion charges that carry a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. By late Wednesday, Dupre was still depicted on the "Girls Gone Wild" Web site, with a free sampling on the front page of her dancing in a bikini and the rest available with a 29. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Thaksin accused of hurting Thailand Aug 12, 2008
Potjaman was convicted last month of tax evasion and had been out on bail on a three-year jail sentence. She and her husband were to appear in court to face other charges. (United Press International)
South Korea pardons convicted execs, Hyundai boss Aug 12, 2008
Samsung chairman Lee Kun-hee, who is contesting a tax evasion conviction, was not on the presidential pardon list. "I am well aware of the criticism among some people and so it was a difficult decision," President Lee was quoted as saying by his spokesman at a cabinet meeting. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
Thaksin chooses UK exile Aug 12, 2008
Pojaman was convicted on 31 July of tax evasion and released on bail, and the couple had been ordered to appear before the Supreme Court on Monday to defend themselves in a separate property case. They had received special permission from the courts to travel abroad. (iAfrica.com)
Thai court issues arrest warrant for Thaksin Aug 12, 2008
" Thaksin, who was first elected in 2001, accused an unnamed group "who see me as their political enemy" of fixing the system so that his foes were appointed to investigate graft charges against him. The former premier and his wife were in China over the weekend for the opening of the Beijing Olympics, and rumours had circulated that they would remain overseas as the graft cases mounted against them. Pojaman was convicted on July 31 of tax evasion and released on bail, and the couple had been... (Channelnewsasia.com)
Richest temple is biggest tax-evader Aug 11, 2008
However, the temple administration is 'casual' about tax evasion and argues that as it is a renowned dharmic institute, it should be granted an exemption ... Tuda chairman C Bhasker Reddy, who is also an ex-officio member of the TTD trust board, launched a broadside against the TTD for its tax evasion. (India Times, India)
Ex-Thai PM 'will remain in UK' Aug 11, 2008
Status: Awaiting court decision on proceeding to trial Case five: Tax evasion. Who: Members of Thaksin's family. (BBC News)
