December 15, 2006

Lansing - The Michigan State Police (MSP) with assistance from the Michigan Attorney General's Office, Michigan Department of Treasury and the Detroit Police Department seized $857,000 in cash as a result of five search warrants executed in Metro Detroit on Wednesday. 

The search warrants were part of an ongoing investigation into embezzlement of the state sales tax by a Greektown business.  The investigation determined the business had never paid Michigan sales tax.  In addition, the business had collected taxes from its employees, but failed to remit the money to the state.

"The MSP is committed to investigating businesses that cheat the state and working with our partners at the Department of Treasury and Attorney General's Office to bring those responsible to justice," said Colonel Peter C. Munoz, director of the MSP.

"Companies that embezzle funds and fail to pay taxes must be held accountable," Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox said. 

MSP investigators are currently reviewing the documents and records seized during the searches.  The business owners face possible criminal charges from the Attorney General's Office and tax assessments from the Michigan Department of Treasury.  The business' name is being withheld pending formal criminal charges.