More Rabbis busted in Israel-based tax fraud and identity theft scheme

A federal tax fraud ring stretching from Chicago to Israel sought to bring in more than $35 million in tax refunds using the identities of thousands of federal prisoners, authorities here announced today.

A total of 10 people were named in indictments unsealed Monday, the U.S. attorney's office in Chicago announced, including the alleged leader of the ring, Marvin Berkowitz. One of his sons and a son-in-law were expected to appear in court in Chicago this afternoon.

Authorities said the ring submitted fraudulent claims using the stolen identities, causing $4 million in refunds to be issued. Berkowitz, who was arrested in Jerusalem, allegedly directed $800,000 to be paid to family members.

Yair Berkowitz, 26, of Chicago, the son of the alleged leader, was to appear in court today, along with Eric Berkowitz, 33, of Chicago, Marvin Berkowitz's son-in-law.

Berkowitz is a former Chicago rabbi who had lived in Israel since 2003 after alleged involvement in another tax fraud. http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/