Nezar Al-Bataineh, formerly of Colchester, VT, Indicted for Wire Fraud and Tax Evasion

The Office of the United States Attorney for the District of Vermont announced that Nezar Q. Al-Bataineh, age 40, a Jordanian National, has been indicted on wire fraud and tax evasion charges related to his sale of used automobiles. It is believed that Al-Bataineh is currently residing in Jordan. A warrant has been issued for his arrest.

As charged in the indictment, from approximately May 17, 2015 through May 21, 2015, Al-Bataineh devised a scheme to defraud and obtain money by means of false pretenses to a possible vehicle purchaser. It is alleged that Al-Bataineh misrepresented the length of his ownership and service history of a vehicle which he had offered for sale on Craigslist.

The indictment further alleges that Nezar Al-Bataineh willfully evaded income taxes due and owing by him to the Internal Revenue Service, by filing false and fraudulent individual income tax returns, Forms 1040NR-EZ. Counts 2 through 5 of the superseding indictment allege that Nezar Al-Bataineh failed to reported significant net income for the calendar years 2011 through 2014, which he earned as an unlicensed automobile dealer.

The charges against Al-Bataineh are merely accusations and Al-Bataineh is presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted, Al-Bataineh’s sentence will be advised by the federal sentencing guidelines.

The case against Al-Bataineh is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Criminal Investigation Division.

The United States is represented in this case by Acting United States Attorney Eugenia A.P. Cowles. Al-Bataineh is represented by Attorney Richard R. Goldsborough.