ESSEX COUNTY TAX PREPARER PLEADS GUILTY TO $4.4 MILLION IRS FRAUD SCHEME

Omar Khater, a Fairfield tax preparer, has confessed to orchestrating a $4.4 million fraud against the IRS. Pleading guilty to wire fraud and IRS fraud charges, Khater, along with relative Walid Khater, engaged in an identity theft scheme, submitting false tax returns to claim substantial refunds.

Approximately $4.49 million in refunds were issued, directed to accounts controlled by the conspirators. Omar Khater awaits sentencing on June 12, 2024, while the case against Walid Khater is still pending.

Authorities stress the importance of safeguarding personal information, particularly during the approaching tax filing season.