Eight North Carolina Tax Preparers Plead Guilty in $25 Million COVID-19 Fraud Scheme
Eight North Carolina tax preparers, including the owner of a Lumberton-based business and seven employees, have pleaded guilty to a conspiracy involving false tax returns. The group targeted COVID-19 tax credits in a calculated effort to defraud the government of approximately $25 million. Federal authorities report that the IRS paid out nearly $14 million in fraudulent refunds before the scheme collapsed. The case involves a Robeson County woman and her staff who collaborated to file the false claims to siphon emergency pandemic relief funds.
Prefer swipe-first reading?
Install the app to keep reading with faster loads and a smoother mobile experience.
Sources
Eight North Carolina tax preparers plead guilty in $25 million COVID tax credit fraud scheme
Robeson County woman has pleaded guilty in connection with a large-scale fraud scheme that resulted in nearly $14 million in fraudulent pandemic-related tax refunds being paid out by the IRS.
‘Calculated scheme’: Owner of Lumberton tax business admits conspiracy to collect nearly $14M using COVID credits
LUMBERTON, N.C. (WBTW) — The owner of a North Carolina-based tax preparation business pleaded guilty on Tuesday to conspiring with seven employees to file false returns based on COVID-19 credits to ...
Fact Checks
Related news
Trump Administration Rolls Back Gun Regulations, Restoring Licenses and Rights
The Trump administration has significantly rolled back firearm regulations, resulting in the reinstatement of licenses for dealers who previously had their permits revoked under the Biden administration. This move has allowed nearly a dozen stores to resume selling firearms. These regulatory changes include scrapping over three dozen rules and loosening restrictions, which some gun owners view as welcome news following frustration with government intrusions. The administration's actions also involved restoring certain gun rights, particularly for individuals dealing with mental illness, signaling a shift in federal oversight regarding firearms.
Memphis Pizza Owner Defends Refusal to Serve National Guard Troops
Miles Tamboli, the owner of Tamboli's Pasta & Pizza in Memphis, has drawn public attention for his decision to turn away Tennessee National Guard members working on the Memphis Safe Task Force. Tamboli defended his choice, stating that his refusal was a deliberate act rooted in his love for the country and city, positioning the decision as a principled stand against federal actions. Despite the owner's defense, the restaurant faced backlash and online calls for a boycott. However, local sentiment included praise and support from the city, which rallied behind Tamboli amid growing frustration over federal taskforce activities. Furthermore, reports indicate that the refusal led to a surge in business for the pizzeria.
UK PM Announces Business Rates Cuts for Pubs and Hospitality
Britain's new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, has announced plans to lower business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues. The government initiative aims to provide a 20% discount to nearly 32,000 hospitality businesses across England, resulting in an estimated annual saving of £1,100 for some typical pubs. The overall cost of the proposed cuts is estimated to be around £100 million per year. However, the plan has faced skepticism from industry leaders. While the PM insists the cut is only a 'first step,' some top chefs and experts argue that the proposed discount will not make a significant difference to the sector's financial challenges.
Andy Burnham Announces 20% Business Rates Cut for UK Pubs and Live Music Venues
Prime Minister Andy Burnham has announced a significant 20 per cent cut in business rates for pubs, clubs, and live music venues nationwide, effective from April next year. This measure is intended to provide financial relief to the hospitality sector, with reports suggesting an average pub could save around £1,100 in tax annually. While the announcement was met with celebration, including a visit to an Essex pub to mark the decision, some industry sources expressed caution. One landlord noted that while relief is welcome, the struggle for small hospitality venues remains monumental, and experts have suggested the plan may have limited overall impact.
Historic Menswear Store Closes After Nearly a Century; Linked to Violent Incident
The New York Store in Lancaster, a longtime staple of Central Ave, is closing its doors after nearly a century of operation. Owner Alan Kurtzman announced the plan to shutter the established storefront as he enters retirement, marking the end of a significant local business. This closure comes amidst a separate criminal investigation. Prosecutors have detailed an incident where an Upstate New York husband allegedly murdered his wife and two young children shortly after gunning down a store clerk, adding a dark layer of tragedy to the local news coverage.
Controversy Rages Over NYC Mayor's Threat to Arrest Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has drawn intense scrutiny and criticism for threatening to arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The threat ignited a debate regarding the legality of such actions and highlighted deepening political divisions. Diplomatic organizations, including Israel's UN ambassador, strongly rebuked the mayor, stating that Netanyahu should not be arrested and citing legal and diplomatic challenges. Meanwhile, political figures like President Donald Trump responded by asserting that the Prime Minister would not face arrest in the U.S.
Take Yomuyo with you
Download the mobile app for personalized headlines and quick access to breaking stories.