Wesley Snipes was sentenced to three years in prison following his conviction last year on three misdemeanor tax charges.

The government doesn't eff around when it comes to collecting their money!

As part of the ongoing court case, Snipes had asked the judge to allow him to leave the country to travel to London and Bangkok for 'work'.

However, at no time was he ever allowed or granted permission to leave the US since being arrested last year. But it seems the 46-year-old did just that!

In a U.S. District Court filing this week, government attorneys told the court that Snipes had left the country in November, unauthorized, and spent some time in the United Arab Emirates.

The reason?

Apparently Snipes didn't want to miss the party of the year cuz he flew to Dubai for the opening of the $1.5 billion Atlantis, The Palm Hotel. As a result, Snipes has now been ordered to turn in his passport.

But, the best part is that no one even knew he left the country or would even have found out if it wasn't for the paparazzi. Turns out government officials spotted Snipes, dressed up in yellow from head to toe, in press photos during the hotel opening.

Idiot!

Looks like Wesley might not be leaving the country again anytime soon.

[Image via WENN.]