Date: September 7, 2021 Contact: newsroom@ci.irs.gov Buffalo, NY — IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI) investigates a variety of crimes ranging from COVID-19 related fraud to corporations purposefully evading tax laws. To help bring these criminals to justice, IRS-CI New York launched a digital billboard campaign Tuesday in Buffalo, New York, asking for the public's help in identifying individuals and organizations who commit financial crimes. This week's billboard launch marks the first time IRS-CI has partnered with New York State Crime Stoppers for a 12-week public service campaign. The digital billboard is located off the Kensington Expressway near the Verdon Street exit and is maintained by LAMAR Advertising. "Every day we receive reports of an individual being defrauded for money or manipulating the U.S. tax code for personal gain," said Thomas Fattorusso, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the New York Field Office, which covers the entire state. "By providing a direct line for the public to report information to IRS-CI, we hope to prevent another friend, neighbor or colleague from becoming a financial crime victim." "Although many view tax evasion as a victimless crime, it actually costs every citizen who pays their fair share," said Crimes Stoppers CEO Alex Mancone, retired police chief. "Indeed, it allows drug dealers, racketeers, and illegal businesses to flourish. It is as serious as any other major crime." To submit a tip call 1-866-313-TIPS (866-313-8477) or go to New York State Crime Stoppers. IRS-CI is responsible for conducting a wide array of criminal investigations with a primary focus on financial crimes. IRS-CI special agents are the only federal law enforcement agents with investigative jurisdiction over violations of the Internal Revenue Code, boasting a 90 percent federal conviction rate. IRS-CI typically conducts investigations involving tax fraud, tax schemes, bankruptcy fraud, corporate fraud, employment tax enforcement, financial institution fraud, gaming, healthcare fraud, identity theft schemes, money laundering, and public corruption. New York State Crime Stoppers, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, is a resource for federal, state, county, and local law enforcement throughout the State of New York. NYS Crime Stoppers sponsors several programs offering rewards of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of criminals in New York State. In doing so, we empower citizens by providing them a means to supply information regarding criminal activity or the location of fugitives, while protecting their identity.
