April 23, 2010
AURORA MAN INDICTED FOR FILING FALSE TAX RETURNS
DENVER – Leonid Shifrin, age 40, of Aurora, Colorado, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver on April 20, 2010, on charges of filing false tax returns, United States Attorney David Gaouette and IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Christopher Sigerson announced. Shifrin surrendered to the United States Marshal Service on April 22, 2010. On that day he made his initial appearance, where he was advised of the charges pending against him. He was released on bond, and is scheduled to be arraigned on April 30, 2010 before United States Magistrate Judge Michael J. Watanabe.
According to Indictment, on or about May 29, 2004, in the State and District of Colorado, Leonid Shifrin, did willfully make and subscribe a U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, Form 1040, for the year 2002, under the penalties of perjury and was filed with the Internal Revenue Service, which he did not believe to be true and correct as to every material matter. Form 1040 reported for the year total income of $28,767, consisting entirely of business income derived from $116,450 in reported gross receipts from “mortgage lending/investing”. Shifrin then and there well knew and believed, his gross receipts from “mortgage lending/investing” and his consequent business income from those activities and total income for the year was higher than what was actually reported.
Furthermore, On or about April 10, 2005, in the State and District of Colorado, Leonid Shifrin, did willfully make and subscribe a U.S. Individual Income Tax Return, Form 1040, for the year 2003, under the penalties of perjury and was filed with the Internal Revenue Service, which he did not believe to be true and correct as to every material matter. Form 1040 reported for the year total income of $32,556, consisting entirely of business income derived from $178,475 in reported gross receipts from “mortgage lending/investing.” Shifrin then and there well knew and believed, his gross receipts from “mortgage lending/investing” and his consequent business income from those activities and total income for the year was higher than what was actually reported.
“Those Americans who file accurate, honest and timely returns can be assured that the government will hold accountable those who don't.” said U.S. Attorney David Gaouette.
“The IRS-Criminal Investigation Division, together with the Department of Justice will investigate and prosecute those who violate our tax system,” said Christopher M. Sigerson, Special Agent in Charge, IRS Criminal Investigation, Denver Field Office.
Shifrin was charged with two counts of filing a false income tax return carries a penalty of not more than 3 years imprisonment, and up to a $250,000 fine, per count.
This case was investigated by Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS CI).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth Harmon.
The charges contained in the Indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
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