LOS ANGELES, CA - California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced on Thursday the indictment of five individuals accused of orchestrating a multi-million dollar scheme involving the illegal sale of untaxed tobacco products. The grand jury returned a staggering 118-count indictment, charging the suspects with conspiracy, unlicensed tobacco sales, filing false tax returns, money laundering, and aggravated white-collar crime enhancements.

The alleged operation, spanning from January 2017 to April 2024, involved the use of shell companies to illicitly import untaxed tobacco into California. Once inside the state, the defendants are accused of selling these products to consumers without the required licenses and without remitting the mandated state excise taxes. Authorities estimate the total tax evasion to be in excess of $24 million.

"Our office is committed to ensuring that these five individuals are held accountable for their brazen disregard for California law and the significant financial harm they inflicted on our state," stated Attorney General Bonta during a press conference. "Scheming to defraud California taxpayers out of millions of dollars will not be tolerated. This indictment sends a clear message: those who engage in such illegal activities will face the full force of the law."

The investigation revealed a sophisticated operation involving the misuse of personal and regulatory information, the concealment of funds used to purchase the untaxed tobacco, and efforts to hide the movement of these illegal products within California. Furthermore, the suspects allegedly provided false information to customers regarding their compliance with state regulations and systematically avoided their obligation to pay California's tobacco excise tax.

Adding to the severity of the charges, the five individuals are accused of submitting fraudulent monthly excise tax returns – or failing to submit them altogether – to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.

The revenue generated from tobacco excise taxes in California is crucial for funding various public services, including public health initiatives and education programs. Large-scale tax evasion of this nature undermines the state's financial stability and creates an unfair playing field for legitimate tobacco retailers who adhere to the law.

The indictment marks the beginning of the legal process. The accused will now face arraignment and have the opportunity to defend themselves in court. If convicted, they could face significant prison sentences, substantial fines, and other legal repercussions.

Attorney General Bonta's office has made it clear that combating illegal tobacco trafficking and tax fraud remains a top priority. This case underscores the state's commitment to pursuing and prosecuting those who attempt to defraud the system and engage in illicit trade. The successful prosecution of this case would serve as a significant deterrent to others contemplating similar criminal activities.