Massive COVID-19 Tax Fraud Uncovered, Leading to Multiple Convictions
In a significant legal development, Leon Haynes of Teaneck, New Jersey, was convicted of orchestrating a large-scale COVID-19 tax relief fraud. From November 2020 to May 2023, Haynes, a tax preparer, submitted over 1,900 false employment tax returns to the IRS, claiming COVID-related tax credits. This fraudulent activity resulted in the government paying out over $55 million in refunds. Haynes was convicted on multiple counts, including aiding in the preparation of false tax returns, mail fraud, and tax evasion. He was sentenced to 144 months in prison and ordered to pay more than $55 million in restitution.