Trump and Alan Weisselberg.
Timothy A. Clary/AFP via Getty Images
- Donald Trump’s company and chief financial officer pleaded not guilty to criminal charges.
- The Trump Organization and its chief financial officer, Alan Weisselberg, have been accused of plotting to defraud the tax authority since 2005.
- These allegations include tax fraud and falsified business records.
Donald Trump’s eponymous company and long-term treasurer pleaded not guilty to criminal charges in the Manhattan District Attorney’s investigation of the former US president and his business practices on Thursday.
The Trump Organization and its chief financial officer Alan Wesselberg are accused of planning to deceive federal, state, and local tax authorities by providing “off-the-book” benefits to company executives since 2005, enabling them to evade Pay taxes.
According to 15 indictments, Wesselberg worked for Trump for 48 years and he was able to avoid paying taxes on more than $1.7 million in income, including housing expenses, tuition and car rental payments.
These allegations include tax fraud and falsified business records. They announced it a day after the grand jury sued Trump’s company and Weisselberg.
“This is a 15-year tax fraud scheme involving off-book payments,” prosecutor Carey Dunn said in a subpoena in Manhattan Criminal Court.
“This is carefully planned by the most senior managers who benefit themselves and the company financially by obtaining secret salary increases at the expense of state and federal taxpayers,” he said.
The indictment could damage Trump’s relationship with banks and business partners.
This may also complicate Trump’s political outlook, as he will continue to hold rallies and consider the 2024 White House campaign.
District Attorney Cyrus Vance started his ongoing investigation nearly three years ago and has been cooperating with the office of the New York Attorney General Letitia James in recent months.
Vance and James are Democrats and both participated in Thursday’s subpoena. The 73-year-old Wesselberg was handcuffed when he was taken to court.
