Major felony charges after year-long investigation into rockland county smoke shops

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II has announced the arrest of four individuals and the charging of five corporations following a comprehensive year-long investigation into local smoke shops. This operation was conducted in partnership with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

On March 4, authorities executed search warrants at seven locations across Rockland County, including two smoke shops each in the towns of Clarkstown and Orangetown, one in the Village of Suffern, and additional sites at another business and a private residence in Clarkstown. These raids resulted in the seizure of over $400,000 and more than 170 pounds of cannabis from the five Zava branded stores, none of which held licenses to sell cannabis in New York State.

The individuals arrested, Ibrahim Alfalahi, Abdo Alquhshi, Sadek Alfalahi, and Fateh Ahmed Alhajjaji, all face charges of criminal tax fraud. Notably, Ibrahim Alfalahi faces one count of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Third Degree and five counts of Criminal Tax Fraud in the Second Degree.

Additionally, five corporate entities operating under the Zava brand across different locations in Rockland County are charged with Criminal Tax Fraud in the Second Degree.

The investigation initially began following allegations that these smoke shops were selling cannabis to minors. This probe later expanded to uncover significant tax irregularities associated with these businesses. District Attorney Walsh emphasized the commitment to lawful business operations in Rockland County and praised the collaborative efforts of Homeland Security Investigations, the New York State Tax and Finance Department, the Office of Cannabis Management, and local police departments in Clarkstown, Orangetown, and Suffern for their roles in this investigation.

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