IRS Criminal Arm Touts Crypto, Easement Crackdowns Among Wins

The IRS Criminal Investigation unit landed a number of first-time achievements this year, including on cases involving cryptocurrencies and conservation easements, according to new data released by the agency.

IRS-CI issued its annual report Thursday, highlighting accomplishments from Oct. 1, 2023 to Sept. 30 this year—recording in that time that it initiated more than 2,667 criminal investigations, got 1,571 convictions, and reclaimed a 90% conviction rate, according to a release.

The report noted a number of “firsts,” such as the first sentencings for syndicated conservation easement schemes, the first indictment and guilty plea of a US taxpayer solely for ...