RCMP officers and officials from the Canadian Revenue Agency raided a popular smoke shop in the Glebe Thursday morning.
The investigators arrived at the Glebe Smoke Shop, on Bank Street at Fifth Avenue, starting around 8 a.m. The popular Glebe business was one of four convenience stores to be searched Thursday, along with a private home.
The CRA would not comment directly on the investigation, but did confirm it searched several businesses.
"The Minister of National Revenue is committed to cracking down on tax evasion," said David Walters, a media relations official with the crown coproration. "The majority of Canadians pay their fair share of taxes, but some individuals avoid paying taxes by hiding their money. This is not fair and it needs to change.
The co-owner of the two Rideau Street Zesty Markets that were raided as well as the Zesty Market on Elgin, told CTV Ottawa the entire situation is embarrassing and upsetting.
"The investigators have to give us the base for this search warrant and they don’t have any base. They went through my cds, my kids cds, even my diary," said Nava Vosough, who co-owns the shops with her husband.
"I don't know what they want."
No charges have been laid. The CRA investigation is on-going.
More to come.
