Chicago Businessman Charged with Cheating on Taxes

Samer Farhan underreported nearly $1M in sales taxes, attorney general says

A suburban Chicago business owner was arrested Thursday for allegedly cheating the state out of nearly $1 million in sales taxes, Illinois Attorney General’s Office announced.

Samer Farhan, 32, was charged Thursday on 28 counts of felony filing fraudulent sales and use tax returns, two counts of mail fraud, and five counts of money laundering.
 
Farhan is accused of underreporting more than $975,000 in sales at his two gas stations: a Citgo Gas, 2959 W. Fulton St. in Chicago and a Valero Gas, 1812 E. Sibley Blvd. in Calumet City.
 
"This is the largest case of gas sales tax fraud that we have uncovered yet,” Attorney General Lisa Madigan said in a statement.
 
The recent crackdown on gas stations was sparked after a new law establishing stronger penalties and eliminating barriers for the prosecution of Illinois businesses evading tax bills took effect in January. 
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