Auto dealer indicted for money laundering
Special to The Herald
05/04/2007

NEWINGTON - Kevin J. O'Connor, U.S. attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced that a federal grand jury sitting in New Haven returned a three-count indictment today charging Burin Mahmuti, 25, of 866 Main St., Newington, with money laundering, making false statements to the Internal Revenue Service and failing to file a Form 8300 reporting his receipt of more than $10,000 in cash.

The indictment alleges that in February and March 2007, Mahmuti, the owner of M3 Auto Sales LLC of 125-127 New Park Ave., Hartford, conducted a financial transaction involving what was represented to be proceeds of drug trafficking activity and then concealed the transaction by not following federal reporting requirements. The law requires that all trades and businesses, including car dealerships, file a Form 8300 with the IRS when they receive more than $10,000 in cash in a single transaction or related transactions during a 12-month period.

Mahmuti allegedly received $29,617.50 in connection with the purchase of a Dodge Durango but failed to file a Form 8300.

The indictment further alleges that, on April 16, Mahmuti knowingly made false and fictitious statements to IRS agents who were investigating the matter.

If convicted, Mahmuti faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 30 years, a fine of up to $750,000 and forfeiture of any money or property involved in Mahmuti's alleged money laundering offense.

O'Connor stressed that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is entitled to a fair trial at which it is the government's burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is being investigated by the Internal Revenue Service's Criminal Investiga-tion Division. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney David A. Ring.

Source: The Herald