LOS ANGELES – On August 31, 2017, Los Angeles business owner Enyinnaya Ojogho was arrested and charged with 44 counts of tax evasion. Ojogho allegedly owes more than $1.6 million in business taxes to the State of California. Ojogho owns and operates several retail stores in Los Angeles selling soccer apparel and equipment.
“This case took the work of investigators from several state agencies that work in partnership as part of the Tax Recovery and Criminal Enforcement (TRaCE) Task Force,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona. “Combining resources and expertise is a great way to conduct thorough and timely investigations.”
Beginning in the 2006 tax year, Ojogho allegedly filed false returns to evade income tax and payroll tax. Ojogho faces 12 counts of Filing False Income Tax Return, 16 counts of Failure to File Tax Return, and 16 counts of Failure to Pay Tax. The defendant was also charged with two special allegations of taking in excess of $1,300,000 and white-collar crime enhancement in excess of $500,000.
“Tax evasion is a crime that causes economic harm to the State of California. Business owners who attempt to deceive authorities and avoid paying the taxes they owe are stealing vital funds from the state and public services,” said Attorney General Becerra. “The California Department of Justice is proud to work in partnership with the Franchise Tax Board and Employment Development Department to hold criminals accountable and protect the taxpayers and honest businesses of our state.”
The following departments were involved in the investigation: The Department of Justice, Franchise Tax Board, and Employment Development Department.
