Davidson County Bail Bondsman Charged with Bail Bond Tax Evasion, Money Laundering and Theft

NASHVILLE - The Special Investigations Section of the Tennessee Department of Revenue conducted the investigation that led to the indictment and arrest of Fathi Alshinnawi, corporate officer of AL’s EZ Bonding in Nashville.  Alshinnawi surrendered to the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office on August 16, 2016.  Alshinnawi is one of the owners of Al’s EZ Bonding Company located in Nashville. 

On August 5, 2016, a Davidson County Grand Jury indicted Fathi Alshinnawi on twenty-four felony counts of filing false tax returns, five felony counts of money laundering, and one felony count of theft of property more than $10,000.  Bond for Alshinnawi was set at $50,000.

If convicted, Alshinnawi could be sentenced to a maximum of twelve years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $25,000 for money laundering. Additionally, Alshinnawi could be sentenced to a maximum of two years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $3,000 for each count of attempted tax evasion.  If convicted of theft of property more than $10,000, Alshinnawi could be sentenced to a maximum of six years in the state penitentiary and fined up to $10,000.

“The majority of businesses pay appropriate taxes,” Revenue Commissioner Richard Roberts said. “I hope this case will serve as a warning to others who think they can get away with tax fraud in Tennessee. We will continue to pursue criminal activity and prosecute tax evaders to assure fairness in our tax structure for Tennesseans.”

The Department is pursuing this criminal case in cooperation with District Attorney Glenn Funk’s office. Citizens who suspect violations of Tennessee's revenue laws should call the toll-free tax fraud hot line at (800) FRAUDTX (372-8389).

The Department of Revenue is responsible for the administration of state tax laws and motor vehicle title and registration laws and the collection of taxes and fees associated with those laws. The Department collects about 87 percent of total state revenue. During the 2016 fiscal year, it collected $13.5 billion in state taxes and fees and more than $2.6 billion in taxes and fees for local governments. To learn more about the Department, visit www.tn.gov/revenue.