Associated Press - February 18, 2011 4:14 AM ET

http://www.wxvt.com/Global/story.asp?S=14055381

VILLE PLATTE, La. (AP) - Three men have been arrested for allegedly taking part in a tax evasion and money laundering scheme.

Louisiana Alcohol and Tobacco Control says Adham Salam of Ville Platte and Anwar Hadaba and Frank Fletcher, both of Alexandria, were arrested Wednesday on charges related to tax evasion, fraud and money laundering.

ATC agents say the arrests stemmed from an investigation of tobacco fraud at two Ville Platte businesses - A&A Quick Stop and A&A Quick Stop No. 2. The agency said Thursday that the probe uncovered corporate income tax fraud and money laundering. Officials say the men allegedly filed false corporate income tax returns with the Louisiana Department of Revenue.

ATC says the alleged tax evasion was valued at more than $400,000 and the money laundering at about $3 million.