Blaine man charged with multiple tax crimes

ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Anoka County Attorney’s Office recently charged Thaer Jaghama, of Blaine, with four felony counts of filing false or fraudulent individual income tax returns and three felony counts of filing false or fraudulent property tax refund returns.

According to the complaint, department investigators began looking into Mr. Jaghama’s tax filings after he was identified by a tobacco retailer who had contraband tobacco products seized from their retail location. The retailer identified Mr. Jaghama as the person who they bought the contraband products from. After comparing bank records to Mr. Jaghama’s tax filings, department investigators determined that he filed fraudulent income tax returns for tax years 2019 through 2022 by underreporting nearly $700,000 in taxable income. Mr. Jaghama also used the underreported income amounts to file fraudulent property tax refund returns for tax years 2019, 2021, and 2022. Mr. Jaghama allegedly owes more than $45,000 in income and property taxes, penalties, and interest. 

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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