January 11, 2016
ALBANY, NY – Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced that about $43,000 is going to the Steuben County District Attorney’s office, to help fight tax fraud and welfare fraud.
“This fraud is not only a theft from taxpayers, but it also diverts resources and assistance from our most vulnerable New Yorkers,” Governor Cuomo said. “This funding will give prosecutors the tools they need to help crack down on this fraud and hold accountable those who seek to game the system.”
The governor noted that district attorneys’ offices will receive the grants through the state’s Crimes Against Revenue Program, which is funded by the proceeds from investigations that result in tax revenues, fines and restitution being provided to the state. “The grants will fund personnel, including forensic accountants, investigators and assistant district attorneys, who work to build cases for prosecution,” according to the governor’s statement.
“All taxes, such as sales, excise and income, and welfare benefits are subject to these investigations, which can focus on individuals, corporations or industries and include complex financial fraud and tax evasion schemes by major criminal enterprises. The funding cycle for the grants aligns with the calendar year. More than $175 million has been provided to the state since the program began in 2004. This represents a 166 percent return-on-investment on the more than $105 million in grants provided to district attorneys’ offices during that period.”
