CINCINNATI (AP) - Two men from Zimbabwe (zeem-BAH’-bway) charged with using the identities of hundreds of Americans to file false tax returns in a Cincinnati-based scheme have been sentenced.
Tawanda Marimbire (tuh-WAHN’-duh mer-ehm-BEER’-ay) was sentenced to about six years in prison after pleading guilty to wire fraud. Robert Bungu (BUHN’-goo) was sentenced to two years after pleading guilty to engaging in illegal monetary transactions.
Federal Judge Susan Dlott (duh-LAHT’) handed down those sentences March 7 and ordered both to collectively pay $5 million in restitution.
Authorities say seven men with ties to Zimbabwe ran a tax preparation business in Cincinnati, and used the identities of at least 658 people to file false returns, collecting up to $10 million.
A third man is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty. The other four fled to Zimbabwe after an indictment.
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