Global criminal tax enforcement in the cryptocurrency industry; the Tax Man means business

The IRS Criminal Special Agent cyber-crime expert who helped to solve the Silk Road online drug trafficking case, a Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division, US Attorney's Office, District of New Jersey, the head of Eisner Amper's forensic investigations practice, and law firm partners in private practice address tax enforcement concerns specific to the cryptocurrency industry and accountants.

As the use of cryptocurrency continues to grow on a global basis, tax authorities globally remain focused and on the lookout for potentially abusive and criminal activities involving this new technology. The Internal Revenue Service has made no secret of its continuing efforts to address taxpayers' failure to report taxes resulting from virtual currency transactions. Over the years these efforts have included the use of John Doe summons, 10,000 letters to taxpayers, and recent Scope of Work letters to industry experts to process and analyze data. The IRS, in coordination with global authorities, are closing in on those who may have taken advantage of the perceived anonymity of these transactions to evade taxes. DOJ is also likely to hold those assisting or facilitating this conduct accountable, both through fines and prison.

On August 13, 2020 at 11 am Eastern time, the Wall Street Blockchain Alliance (WSBA) and Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP are pleased to host an important webinar:

This webinar will cover the obstacles faced by the crypto industry and provide practical guidance for institutions seeking to stay current with their tax obligations to avoid civil and criminal exposure. We will also discuss the impact of DOJ's recent updates to their corporate compliance guidance on these decisions and what companies should be doing now to protect themselves.

Some panel topics will include:

• Current tax enforcement efforts within the industry.
• Potential civil and criminal liability for those engaging in abusive activities.
• Key take-aways from the 2020 DOJ Corporate Compliance Guidance update.
• How individuals and institutions can minimize their risks and exposure.

Our conversation will explore perspectives from key government officials and the accounting profession, as well as counsel helping clients to navigate this landscape, including:

Speakers

Gary Alford, Special Agent, Internal Revenue Service (A cyber-crime coordinator who helped solve the Silk Road online drug trafficking case)

Mayling C. Blanco, Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP

Daniel V. Shapiro, Deputy Chief, Criminal Division, US Attorney's Office, District of New Jersey

Carlos F. Ortiz, Partner, Norton Rose Fulbright US LLP

Walter Pagano, Partner, Litigation Consulting & Forensic Accounting, Tax Controversy and White-Collar Crime, EisnerAmper LLP

Amy Wang, Senior Manager – Tax Policy and Advocacy, AICPA