The U.S. Attorney's Office said that a San Diego business owner has admitted to attempting to bribe an IRS officer in a scheme to eradicate his significant tax debt. Wahead Raz pleaded guilty to offering an IRS revenue officer $35,000 to dismiss his half-million-dollar tax liability.
During an initial meeting on July 23 to address his $500,000 tax debt, Raz propositioned the bribe at the San Diego IRS office. The IRS officer promptly reported the offer to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA), which consequently led to an undercover operation, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reported. The following day, a video-recorded encounter captured Raz proposing a non-traceable cash payment.
"Attempting to circumvent an IRS officer quickly is not just a poor choice—it’s a federal crime," stated U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. Special Agent in Charge Rod Ammari emphasized the consequence of such actions, "Individuals who attempt to bribe IRS officials will be prosecuted for their actions."According to the U.S. Attorney's Office report. Both officials commended the collaborative efforts that led to Raz's prosecution.
Raz continued his illegal overtures with several secretly recorded meetings and phone calls during which he negotiated and transferred partial payments towards the agreed bribe. On August 29, Raz completed the full bribe payment of $35,000 after initially failing to produce the total amount on American scheduled time. In addition to clearing his own tax debt, Raz also sought to wipe clean approximately $50,000 of his business's tax debt, even offering additional money for it, according to the information provided by the IRS officer involved.
The case, due for sentencing on March 19, 2025, highlights the perils of attempting to subvert federal law and tax administration. It underscores the vigilance of TIGTA and the U.S. Attorney’s Office in safeguarding the integrity of the nation's tax system. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Conover is prosecuting the case, which is a stark warning to others considering similar tactics.
