Basher Posted September 27, 2007 Report Share Posted September 27, 2007 News4 Detroit 13 Arrested In Connection With Can ScamAuthorities: Smuggling Rings Defrauded Mich. Bottle Deposit FundDETROIT -- Authorities said they arrested 13 people and seized more than $500,000 in cash after breaking up a smuggling ring that collected millions of beverage containers in other states and cashed them in for 10 cents apiece in Michigan.A total of 15 people were named in a 67-count warrant issued as part of Operation Can Scam, Attorney General Mike Cox said Wednesday. Some suspects were members of two smuggling rings based in Ohio and others were Michigan merchants who took part in the scheme, he said.Investigators alleged that millions of non-redeemable out-of-state cans were collected, crushed, packaged in plastic bags and sold at a discount to merchants who then redeemed them. Bulk redemption payments from the state are based on weight.The scheme defrauded the Michigan Bottle Deposit Fund, whose proceeds are used to pay for environmental cleanup efforts, Cox said in a statement."Each year, this type of activity defrauds the state approximately $13 million," said Col. Peter Munoz, Michigan State Police director.The charges include maintaining a continuing criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony, and fraud, a 5-year felony, the statement said.The probe recalled a 1996 episode of "Seinfeld" in which two characters learn about Michigan's 10-cent deposit law and head there with a truckload of 5-cent New York cans, hoping to cash in on the difference, before getting sidetracked."A half-million in cash is not 'Seinfeld' humor," Cox spokesman Matt Frendewey said.Copyright 2007 by ClickOnDetroit.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bouche Posted September 27, 2007 Report Share Posted September 27, 2007 that's gold jerry....GOLD! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Freak By Night Posted September 27, 2007 Report Share Posted September 27, 2007 I wasn't even aware that was a crime. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AD Posted September 27, 2007 Report Share Posted September 27, 2007 damn recyclers diverting from landfills! throw the book at them! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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