GRAPEVINE -- Federal investigators raided the Grapevine headquarters of televangelist Benny Hinn Wednesday afternoon.
A federal source told WFAA that it has been a lengthy IRS investigation, although agents at the scene were vague about the scope and target of their search warrant.
"Today, we are here on official business, we are conducting a search warrant on the premises, basically that’s all I can tell you today," said Special Agent Michael Moseley with IRS Criminal Investigations.
State documents confirm the location belongs to Hinn's ministry. Federal investigators with the IRS and Postal Inspection Police have been entering and leaving the building in the 3400 block of William D. Tate Freeway. Crews have been taking boxes and other items out of the trucks and placing them inside the building.
A special agent says the IRS Criminal Investigations
Department typically looks into tax evasion and general fraud against the government.
Hinn has a TV program called "This Is Your Day," which according to the website is one of the world’s most-watched Christian programs. Hinn is known for his so-called "healing powers" during his church services.
Ole Anthony has been tracking Hinn for more than two decades. Anthony runs a non-profit called the Trinity Foundation, which monitors religious fraud. He's turned over hundreds of documents to the IRS.
“The IRS has been loathed to investigate any religious organization," said Anthony.
Anthony says Hinn has raised millions of dollars through his healing ministries. He said he believes some of the donations are mailed to offices that were searched Wednesday.
“There is more fraud in the name of God, not just in America, but in the world, than any other kind of fraud,” said Anthony.
http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/irs-raids-televangelist-benny-hinns-office-in-grapevine/434354116
bout time.
