After his arrest, the Trump Organization’s chief financial officer pleaded not guilty

Trump Organization CFO, Allen Weisselberg pleaded not guilty to tax offenses on Thursday In a New York court, the first charges relate to an investigation into the actions of former Republican President Donald Trump.

Weisselberg, 73, was brought into the room handcuffed To sue before a state judge, after turning himself in to New York authorities.

Weisselberg’s indictment was expected for several days as part of A nearly three-year investigation by the Manhattan District Attorney into the work of the Trump Organization.

Although at the moment neither Trump himself nor any member of his family was among the accused, The allegations could deal a heavy blow to the former president, who has suggested he might run for the White House again in 2024.

The Trump Organization and Weiselberg have been charged with 15 crimesincluding scheme of fraud, conspiracy, grand theft and forgery of business figures.

Consider the custodian of the secrets of the Trump Organization, Weiselberg is accused of evading taxes on $1.7 million in income over 15 yearsAccording to the indictment. It is believed that the charges relate to Taxes on marginal profits.

His attorneys, Mary Mulligan and Brian Scarlatos, told the agency that Weisselberg “will fight these charges in court.” France Press agency.

Manhattan Attorney General Cyrus Vance and New York State Attorney General Letitia James were investigating whether Weisselberg and other executives evaded income taxes from the Trump Organization. Benefits include private school fees, car rentals, and luxury apartmentsAccording to the media.

“Political” indictment

Trump, 75, dismissed and described the accusations against his company and Weisselberg on Thursday “Political Witch Hunt for Radical Left Democrats.” “He is dividing our country like never before!” said the former president.

The Trump Organization said in a statement that prosecutors are using Weisselberg A pawn in a scorched earth strategy to harm the former president.

“This isn’t justice, it’s politics,” a family business spokesperson told the New York tycoon. In a statement carried by several American media.

The Trump Organization is an unlisted family holding company that owns golf clubs, hotels, and luxury real estate. Trump handed the reins of business to his eldest sons and Weisselberg when he took office in early 2017.

New York prosecutors have tried to persuade Wesselberg to cooperate with their extensive investigations into the finances of the Trump Organization. An indictment will increase pressure on him to do his part.

New York prosecutors are investigating Whether the company regularly overvalues ​​or undervalues ​​its assets, particularly various properties in New York State, to obtain bank loans or lower its taxes.

Trump’s former personal attorney, Michael CohenThey said they did, which could constitute potential tax evasion or insurance fraud

Investigations also focus on Eight years of Trump tax returns, Prosecutors acquired it in February after a protracted legal battle that reached the Supreme Court.

Vance’s investigation initially focused on the silent payments to two women who claim they had affairs with Trump, before extending the investigation.

(By Peter Hutchison – AFP)

Read on: