Car Company Owner Arrested, Charged With Theft of More Than $60K in Florida Sales Taxes

by Ryan Yousefi August 18, 2025

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Car Company Owner Arrested, Charged With Theft of More Than $60K in Florida Sales Taxes 3

Zeev Lelinger {BSO}

A used car dealer is facing felony charges after investigators say he pocketed more than $60,000 in state sales taxes collected from customers over four years.

According to records filed in Broward County Circuit Court, Zeev Lelinger, 53, the owner of a used car enterprise named Eden Cars Inc., was arrested Wednesday at his Lauderhill home on charges of theft of state funds. Records show one of Eden Cars’ locations tied to Lelinger was located at 5845 Funston Street in Hollywood. The location has since closed.

A Florida Department of Revenue investigation determined that between January 2020 and June 2024, Lelinger collected $212,804.15 in sales taxes from vehicle buyers but remitted only $147,377.28 to the state. Prosecutors say he failed to turn over the remaining funds, which were determined to be more than $60,000.

Court filings show Lelinger admitted during a phone call with state investigators in October 2024 that he was aware of the outstanding tax liabilities but blamed personal issues for falling behind. Despite repeated notices and opportunities to come into compliance, officials say he continued to under-report and withhold tax payments.

The probable cause affidavit notes that Lelinger had sufficient funds in business bank accounts to pay the state but chose not to do so. Investigators also uncovered prior tax issues at Eden Cars, including a $140,000 tax assessment from an earlier audit covering the period from 2013 to 2016.

On January 14, an arrest warrant was issued for Lelinger’s arrest. He was taken into custody on August 13 and transported to the Broward County Main Jail.

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Ryan Yousefi

Ryan Yousefi has lived in Coral Springs for over 30 years. He has worked as a writer for multiples outlets over the years, including the Miami New Times where he has covered sports and culture since 2013. He holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Business Healthcare Management from Western Governors University.