New Hampshire

Official: NH Liquor Stores Ignoring Possible Money Laundering

A member of the New Hampshire executive council has accused state-run liquor stores of turning a blind eye to potential money laundering.

Democrat Andru Volinksy sent a letter this week to the governor and attorney general alleging that the New Hampshire Liquor Commission is facilitating suspiciously large cash purchases by out-of-state customers. Many customers come to New Hampshire for the lower prices, since it is one of only two states without an excise tax on distilled spirits.

Volinksy cited an internal memo that discouraged employees from reporting suspicious transactions without providing proof of illegal activity. Volinksy says he personally witnessed customers splitting large purchases into smaller ones to skirt IRS reporting rules.

The commission tells New Hampshire Public Radio it has followed all laws and called Volinsky's "sting operation" an invasion of privacy.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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