Coon Rapids man charged with tobacco-related tax crime
ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Minnesota Department of Revenue announced that the Beltrami County Attorney’s Office recently charged Yunes Taha Abuisnaineh, of Coon Rapids, with one felony count of possessing untaxed cigarette or tobacco products.
According to the complaint, Revenue officials conducted a tobacco retail inspection of Mr. Abuisnaineh’s Bemidji business, Smokes4Less, in May 2023. During the inspection they allegedly found numerous packs of tobacco products that were purchased from an unlicensed distributor. Revenue officials seized the products, and the complaint states they were determined to be contraband because the more than $30,000 in required tax was not paid on them. The complaint alleges that Mr. Abuisnaineh told investigators that he knew the purchase and possession of the illegal products could put him in “legal jeopardy.”
The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in jail, a $10,000 fine, or both. 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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