An explosive criminal trial begins in Linz on Monday, which is also making the Austrian ice hockey scene pay close attention. A former president and managing director of a professional club in Linz has to answer before the regional court for serious financial crimes.
Allegations: tax evasion & payroll tax fraud
According to the Linz public prosecutor’s office, the accused is said to have committed massive violations of tax law over the years, as the “ORF” reports. The prosecution speaks of a total damage amount of around 1.14 million euros, including €700,000 in tax reductions and €340,000 in untaxed illegal payments. According to the judiciary, the former club president, who is presumed innocent, has not confessed and denies all allegations.
Fines of millions and imprisonment possible
If convicted, the ex-official could face a fine of over 2.2 million euros
up to four years in prison according to the relevant provisions of the Financial Crimes Act. The proceedings are likely to attract great interest as it is one of the most extensive alleged financial cases in Austrian professional sports in recent years.
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