Man Offered Bribe to IRS Agent

He offered to pay an IRS agent $30,000 in exchange for the agent’s help in wiping out his tax debt. The IRS then set up a sting operation.

A California man pleaded guilty in federal court to paying a $35,000 bribe to an IRS officer to erase his $500,000 tax debt.

Wahead Raz offered the bribe during a meeting on July 23, 2024, at the IRS office in San Diego. The officer immediately reported the attempt to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration and assisted in an undercover operation to record the crime.

“Attempting to bribe an IRS officer is not just a terrible idea — it’s a federal crime,” U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath said in a statement.

On July 24, Raz arranged for the bribe to be paid in cash to avoid detection. Over the following weeks, he continued negotiations, agreeing to pay the officer $30,000 to clear his personal tax debt. Raz provided $10,000 upfront in a meeting on July 30 and promised the remainder in subsequent meetings. On August 22 and 29, Raz made additional payments, completing the $35,000 total.

During recorded meetings, Raz also mentioned other individuals who owed taxes, offering to introduce them to the officer once his own debt was cleared.

“Individuals who attempt to bribe IRS officials will be prosecuted,” said IRS Special Agent in Charge Rod Ammari.