Source: Office of United States Attorneys
SAN DIEGO – Business owner Wahead Raz pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting that he paid an Internal Revenue Service officer $35,000 to wipe away his half million-dollar tax debt.
On July 23, 2024, Raz offered the bribe to an IRS revenue officer during a meeting at the San Diego IRS office to discuss his outstanding tax debt of approximately $500,000. After the meeting, the IRS officer immediately reported the bribe to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) and agreed to be part of an undercover operation to record Raz’s crime.
“Attempting to bribe an IRS officer is not just a terrible idea—it’s a federal crime,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “Not surprisingly, the integrity of the IRS held firm, ensuring this defendant will be accountable for both his unpaid taxes and attempting to undermine the system.”
“Today’s actions send a clear message: Individuals who attempt to bribe IRS officials will be prosecuted for their actions,” said Special Agent in Charge Rod Ammari. “The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration (TIGTA) is committed to protecting the integrity and mission of the IRS. We are grateful for the strong partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office that ensured this individual was held accountable for trying to undermine federal tax administration.”
On July 24, 2024, TIGTA conducted a video recorded meeting between the IRS officer and Raz at the IRS office in San Diego. During the meeting, Raz told the IRS officer that he could pay in cash so the bribe would not be traceable.
On July 25, 2024, the IRS officer conducted a recorded telephone call to Raz. During the call, Raz told the IRS officer: “If you save me money, then I’ll take care of you,” and asked the IRS officer to name a price. When the officer asked for $30,000 in exchange for wiping out Raz’s personal tax debt, Raz countered with $20,000. After the IRS officer insisted on $30,000, Raz agreed, offering to pay $10,000 up front and the remaining $20,000 when Raz’s tax debt was cleared.
On July 30, 2024, TIGTA conducted a video and audio recorded meeting between the IRS officer and Raz at a coffee shop in San Diego. During the meeting, Raz provided the previously agreed upon $10,000 cash payment to the IRS officer. Raz also asked the IRS officer to eliminate the approximately $50,000 tax debt owed by Raz’s business and offered to pay the officer an additional $5,000 to have the debt cancelled.
On August 22, 2024, TIGTA conducted a video and audio recorded meeting between the IRS officer and Raz at the same coffee shop in San Diego. During the meeting, Raz gave the officer $15,000 in cash and told the officer he did not have the entire $25,000 as originally agreed upon. Raz promised to provide the remaining $10,000 by the following Wednesday. During the meeting, the officer told Raz that he was taking a big risk by accepting the bribe. Raz stated that he understood the risk taken by the IRS officer and that the officer could go to jail for it.
On August 29, 2024, TIGTA conducted a video and audio recorded meeting between the IRS officer and Raz in San Diego. During that meeting, Raz paid $10,000 in cash to complete the $35,000 bribe payment. Raz asked for assurance that the IRS officer would clear all the taxes owed by Raz and his business.
During two of the recorded meetings, Raz voluntarily offered to introduce to the IRS officer other “clients” who also owed taxes to the IRS. Raz later indicated that one of those potential “clients” thought it was dangerous for Raz to do this and did not believe it would work out. Raz told the IRS officer that he would introduce the agent to the potential “client” once Raz’s tax debt was cleared.
He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 19, 2025, at 10 a.m. before U.S. District Judge John A. Houston.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Conover.
DEFENDANT Case Number 24-CR-2647- JAH
Wahead Raz Age: 40 San Diego, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Bribery – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 201(b)(1)(A) and (C)
Maximum Penalties: Fifteen years in prison
INVESTIGATING AGENCY
Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.