The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance today announced the arrest of a Brooklyn resident for illegally possessing and selling unstamped cigarettes.

Vladimir Mardakhayev, 57, of 540 Ocean Parkway, Brooklyn, NY, was arrested and charged with one misdemeanor and three felonies for not only holding and selling the cigarettes but also for attempting to evade State and New York City cigarette taxes. 

The Department seized 194 cartons of various brands of Georgia stamped, Virginia stamped and unstamped cigarettes at a building located at 201 Ditmas Ave., Brooklyn, which Mardakhayev owns.   

All cigarettes sold in New York State must bare a state tax stamp.  Investigators from the Tax Department’s Criminal Investigations Division seized the cigarettes along with $1,177 in proceeds from their illicit sale.

Mardakhayev was released after his appearance at New York Police Department’s 66^th Precinct station house and was scheduled to appear in court on February 19, 2014.  The case will be prosecuted by the Office of the Kings County District Attorney.

In New York State, 96% of taxes are paid by businesses and individuals who voluntarily meet their tax responsibilities. The remaining 4% is collected through the Tax Department's audit, collections and criminal investigations programs. Through its enforcement programs, the Department ensures fair tax administration for all New Yorkers.

A criminal complaint is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.