The United States Department of Justice today announced that Sterling Heights resident Eyzer Akram Allos, 26, was sentenced today for charges relating to the purchase and sale of illegal cigarettes. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade and ATF Special Agent in Charge Thomas E. Brandon.
Allos was sentenced by United States District Judge Avern Cohen to 12 months, 1 day imprisonment and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $664,351.
The cigarettes, which the defendants purchased and resold, did not bear a stamp indicating the required State tobacco taxes had been paid. In some instances, fraudulent stamps were manufactured and placed on the cigarettes. The State of Michigan assesses a state tax of $2 per pack on cigarettes. Penalties and assessments for violations of the state tax law range from 100% to 500% of the actual tax loss. Potential federal sanctions for trafficking in contraband goods and cigarettes include up to five years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.
Allos is the fourth member of his immediate family to plead guilty to, and be sentenced for, felony charges involving contraband cigarettes totaling nearly $2 million. The father and two younger brothers of Eyzer Akram Allos were sentenced in December 2009. In addition, three Allos family friends were also convicted and sentenced in recent months for their part in the criminal activity.
Brandon stated, “At a time when Michigan's economy is struggling, it is essential to bring to justice those who cheat the system by evading state excise taxes on cigarettes for their own personal gain. Enforcement of federal law prohibiting trafficking in contraband tobacco products is a core function of the ATF. We remain committed to working with the Michigan State Police, local law enforcement, and the U.S. Attorney's Office to identify and prosecute illegal cigarette traffickers.”
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Susan Gillooly and ATF Case Agent John Franklin.
Source: U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan
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