American tax officials

Chapter 364 A Lone Boat in Texas

"I'm wondering if he ended up with the USB drive that Epstein's assistant had back then..."

Augustine rested his chin on his hand and pondered,

"What! If he gets his hands on this USB drive, that's terrible!"

"It's more than just bad. Didn't you hear the news from the Freemasons just now? That bastard is working on a bill like that. If he really has a copy of that USB drive, how many members of Congress will be coerced by him? Once it's actually drafted, it's hard to say whether we can stop it."

Although the Illuminati and the Ansar Freemasons control a significant number of seats in Congress, too many members of Congress have been to Lolita Island. If David really has that USB drive, even those members who were originally loyal to them might compromise.

After all, with the midterm elections approaching, even a little negative news could ruin the political reputation these lawmakers have built up over a lifetime.

"There's no use worrying now. The Freemasons have told us to come to their headquarters in two days to discuss this matter. Let's go together!"

In the past, the three core members of the group would never have gone to the Freemasons' headquarters together.

But now, the situation is too critical, and they can't worry about that anymore.

Meanwhile, the Onsa Group was also greatly shaken after hearing about Lolita Island and the bill.

After a long and intense discussion, they finally decided to accept the invitation to attend the trilateral meeting to be held by the Freemasons two days later, to see what the other two parties' solutions were.

……

Five days later, in a suite at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Austin, the capital of Texas, in addition to David and Sean, three middle-aged men arrived.

"Mr. Beth McGovern, Mr. Charlie, now that you're here, I'll be frank. I know your three families wield considerable power in Congress, so the purpose of bringing you here is simple: I need to utilize your influence in Congress!"

Texas is a very special state among the 50 states of the United States, and is also known as the "Lone Star Republic".

Its desire for independence is the strongest among all the states in the United States.

This dates back to Texas's past as a Spanish colony, which later became part of Mexico.

In the early 19th century, Americans began to immigrate to Texas in large numbers, attracted by its vast land, abundant resources, and free atmosphere. Mexico was also happy to do so, as Americans brought high spending power and development opportunities to Texas.

However, as the number of Americans in Texas increased, the U.S. government gradually began to covet Texas and made several attempts to buy the land from Mexico, but Mexico refused each time, after all, it was their money bag.

Mexico then implemented measures such as high taxes, military control, and the prohibition of slavery, which offended everyone in Texas, whether they were American immigrants or native Texans, and they were dissatisfied with and resisted Mexican rule.

In 1835, a revolution broke out in Texas.

On March 2, 1836, Texas, under the leadership of Sam Houston, officially declared its secession from Mexico and became an independent republic.

In the days that followed, with the support of the United States, Texas was successfully incorporated into the United States and became a state.

However, this later exacerbated the conflict between the North and the South in the United States, setting the stage for the later Civil War.

Regardless, Texas remains one of the most unique states in the United States. It has not completely relinquished its independence and distinctiveness, and has retained its own national and state flags. A white five-pointed star represents Texas's freedom and independence, which is why Texas is known as the "Lone Star Republic."

Over the years, Texas has developed rapidly, with a GDP of $2.4 trillion, second only to California, the largest state.

If Texas were an independent country, it would be the world's 8th largest economy, surpassing Russia, making it truly wealthy enough to rival a nation.

It is precisely because of its increased wealth, coupled with Texas's historical reasons, that the state has frequently declared its intention to secede from the United States in recent years.

To this end, they did not hesitate to mobilize the National Guard multiple times, resulting in bloody clashes with the U.S. military.

Of course, these historical reasons are not the reason why David brought these three people here today.

Due to long-standing historical reasons, this state is one of the few in the United States that has not been deeply infiltrated by Freemasonry, Unsa Group, and Illuminati.

The most influential people in the state right now are the families behind these three men.

That's why David brought the three of them here.

The three people whose names were called immediately turned bitter.

Just as they suspected, David's visit to them was definitely not for anything good; he actually wanted to use their influence in Congress.

Is it intended to be used against the Freemasons, the Illuminati, and their group?

However, they don't want to get involved in this mess, nor do they want to become victims of either side.

Then the man named Bessmay cautiously replied, "It's like this, Inspector General David, our family has some influence in Congress, but it's very limited and basically doesn't play much of a role. Well then, besides Congress, if you need help in other areas, such as Texas tax revenue, we can help you with that."

"Inspector General David, our family's influence in Congress is limited, but we can offer assistance elsewhere. Please understand..."

"Inspector General David, as you know, our family has focused on business in recent years, and our influence in politics has gradually declined. We also don't have much power in Congress. You see..."

Golda and Charlie, standing nearby, echoed him, also looking like they were complaining bitterly.

Logically speaking, Texas is a notorious troublemaker in the United States, and the three major families are the most influential families in the state. There's no reason for them to be so wary of David.

But there's nothing that can be done; in recent years, the state has gone too far and has been severely restricted by the U.S. government.

David is a ruthless character, and the IRS behind him is even more formidable. So after some discussion, their family decided that they should not offend the IRS and David unless absolutely necessary.

Otherwise, if they, who are already subject to restrictions by the U.S. government, were to face further sanctions from the IRS and this powerful agency, they would truly find it extremely difficult to move forward.

David wasn't in a hurry. After listening to them finish speaking, he slowly asked, "Are you done?"

"Um?"

The three were taken aback, then exchanged glances, not understanding what David meant.

David turned to look at him and said, "Mr. Bessmay's memory might not be very good. Let me help you recall: your family funded 14 seats in the state's House of Representatives, and one of the only two senators. Is that what you call limited influence in Congress?"

When Bessmay was called out, her face froze upon hearing this.

As a member of his own family, he naturally knew how many members of his family were represented.

David was right; his family had indeed funded so many members of parliament.

Unexpectedly, the other party had actually investigated their background. It seems they came prepared. This is really troublesome...

Ignoring the stiff-faced Bessmay, David shifted his gaze to Charlie and said, "Mr. Gotha, as far as I know, Zekaria, Don, Jeremiah... these 13 members of parliament were all trained by your family. Does such a large group of members of parliament diminish your family's influence in politics? Or do you think that a dozen or so members of parliament are no longer of any use in Congress?"

"this……"

Charlie, who was called out, was also rendered speechless by the rebuttal.

Even a single member of Congress, by publicly criticizing a bill or policy, can cause a huge uproar in the United States.

Not to mention that their family has more than a dozen members.

Now that David has pointed it out, it's as if he's mocking his previous words, which were blatant lies.

"And you, Mr. Godard, although your family doesn't have any senators this term, you still control 11 seats in the House of Representatives. That doesn't mean you can't help me!"

The last one called out, Godas, just like the two before him, froze in place with an awkward expression.

After a long pause, Bessmay finally recovered and asked, "Alright then, Inspector General David, what do you want us to do for you in Congress?"

He wanted to know David's purpose before making a decision.

"I need to push through a bill!"

"Push forward the bill?"

The three were startled, their expressions shifting rapidly.

After a moment, Bessmay asked, "Inspector General David, what bill is it?"

"This bill will target tax avoidance policies in other jurisdictions..."

David then explained the bill.

The three people who heard the bill all showed expressions of shock.

In other words, after this bill is introduced, tax havens such as the Cayman Islands and the British Virgin Islands will cease to exist.

All of them have to pay taxes according to local tax policies, which is like cutting off a piece of their flesh for major companies!

Of course, the same applies to their three families.

After all, many of the companies they control are registered in these tax havens. If this bill is passed, they will be finished!

"Wait, Inspector General David, this bill is unacceptable! If it's passed, it will shake the very foundations of our nation and cause a major upheaval!"

Bessemer, regaining his senses, urgently offered his advice.

"Yes, Inspector David, as you know, America practices capitalism. This is digging up the roots of capitalism again, and nobody will agree to that!"

"Inspector General David, you mentioned wanting to pass a bill like the Black Tax Act. Our family isn't in a position to refuse to help, but this kind of bill... isn't suitable for introduction in America!"

Gotha and Charlie also realized what was happening and offered words of advice.

They're not fools; if they helped push this bill through, not only would their family's interests be severely damaged.

The Freemasons, the Ansar Group, and the Illuminati—it would be strange if they didn't skin them alive!

"hehe."

David sneered, "Affecting the foundations of America? I think it's affecting the foundations of your family, isn't it?"

"You so-called families."

"We've made a fortune in America over the years. It's no exaggeration to say that our family's wealth is enough to support us for generations!"

"It's just a bill being passed that will make you earn a little less, but why does it feel like it's going to kill you?"

Bessmay continued, forcing a smile, "Earning a little less is fine, it's just...it's just..."

He actually wanted to say that if they dared to help push forward this bill, the three major Freemasons would probably kill them, but the words just wouldn't come out.

Because if they don't comply, David isn't someone to be trifled with; he'll definitely find a way to mess with them.

"Stop haggling with me. I'll give you two choices. First, help me push this bill through. Once it's done, I'll introduce a tax policy for Texas to compensate you for your losses. Second..."

David didn't finish his sentence, but the three of them could already sense the strong threat in his words.

"Chief Inspector David, what if we still refuse?"

After thinking for a while, Bessmay still couldn't agree. He frowned and looked directly at David, asking the question.

David didn't speak. He turned around, went to the table, opened a drawer, took out a thick document, turned back and threw it in front of the three of them, saying, "After arriving in Texas, I investigated the companies under your family's control. I don't know if I was lucky or you were unlucky."

The three men felt a jolt of fear. Could it be that their company's taxes had been found to be problematic?

With trepidation, the three picked up the documents on the table, but as the contents came into view, their expressions turned grim.

That's right, their company was indeed found to have tax problems, and every single amount was exceptionally detailed, as if it were directly linked to their own company's finance and tax records.

If the IRS were to use this information to announce an investigation against them, even if they hired the best legal team, they would probably still have a hard time clearing their name.

"What do you want?"

Gotha's face was somewhat ashen as he stared directly at David.

"As I just said, you have two choices. First, help us pass this bill. Second, our IRS will immediately launch an investigation into your company, Gotha, and seize its assets. We might even impose criminal penalties on your personnel..."

"You dare!"

Gotha's eyes turned bloodshot, and he said, "Do you know what the situation is in Texas right now? It's a powder keg. If you do this, it's like lighting a fuse, and a new round of conflict will erupt. Can you take responsibility for that?"

"Don't try to scare me. Your Texas and the military have been at odds for a long time. Those useless military guys probably can't do anything to you, but I'd love to see how armed the IRS is!"

Since David dared to come to Texas, he must have already learned about the situation here quite well.

Texas does indeed frequently clash with the military, and both the residents and their National Guard are indeed formidable. Furthermore, it is well known that the U.S. Army has never been very effective, so it never gains much advantage in any conflict.

But just because the military's ground forces can't gain an advantage doesn't mean their IRS armed forces can't!

(End of this chapter)