The
Rhode Island Division of Taxation helped to investigate a multi-state illegal tobacco distribution network. The investigation led to the arrest and arraignment
on Thursday of a man in Holyoke, Massachusetts.
“We
allege that this defendant was running a multi-state criminal operation that
involved transporting, selling and distributing illegal, untaxed cigarettes to
convenience stores across Massachusetts and across state lines,” Massachusetts
Attorney General Maura Healey said in a statement. “We will continue to work
with our state and federal partners to crack down on those who evade the law
and rob our state of needed tax revenue,” Healey said.
“This
is the result of teamwork and of close cooperation and hard work among
investigative authorities in multiple jurisdictions, including Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, and Connecticut,” said Rhode Island Acting Tax Administrator
Neena S. Savage.
“We
are proud of the efforts that the Rhode Island Division of Taxation’s Special
Investigation Unit made over multiple months in this complex investigation. We
will continue to work together with state and federal agencies to make sure
that the law is upheld,” Savage said.
The
case is being investigated by the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office; the Massachusetts
State Police; Holyoke Police; the Massachusetts Department of Revenue; the federal
Bureau, of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; the Connecticut Department of Revenue
Services’ Special Investigations Section; the Providence Police Intelligence
Unit; and the Rhode Island Division of Taxation’s Special Investigation Unit.
