An unlicensed cannabis retailer with dispensaries in Los Angeles and Orange counties is facing felony charges for allegedly dodging payment of nearly $7.1 million in taxes, officials announced Wednesday.
The defendant, Pin Hsien Hsu, whose age and hometown were not immediately available, allegedly failed to file sales tax returns or report roughly $80 million in sales, according to California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
From April 2019 through November 2022, Hsu operated an extensive number of unlicensed cannabis dispensaries in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties, prosecutors contend.
During the same period, prosecutors allege, the defendant evaded payment of nearly $7.1 million in sales tax to the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration.
“Evading taxes through hazy business tactics is not a victimless crime and it carries serious consequences,” Bonta said in a statement. “When individuals and businesses deliberately avoid their legal responsibilities, they are shifting the burden onto honest taxpayers and depriving communities of essential funding.”
“Accountability in these cases isn’t simply about punishment, it is about protecting the integrity of public institutions and ensuring that everyone contributes their fair share,” he continued. “We will continue to weed out bad actors and hold accountable those who believe they are above the law.”
The 66-count felony complaint against Hsu, which also includes money laundering charges, was filed April 21 in Superior Court in Sacramento.