Donald Trump’s real estate company has been found guilty of running a criminal scheme to defraud tax authorities for more than 15 years.
The scheme run by the Trump Organization included avoiding paying personal income taxes on perks like rent-free apartments and fancy cars.
“The benefits buffet is designed to keep its top executives happy and loyal,” said Attorney Joshua Steinglass
jurors during his closing argument on Friday.
The firm, which manages hotels, golf courses and other properties around the world, pleaded not guilty.
The former US president has not been personally charged in the case.
The Trump Organization had argued that chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg, 75, was running the scheme for his own benefit.
He is on paid leave and testified that he received more than $1 million in salary and bonus payments this year.
The company will be sentenced on January 13.
Although the company now faces a fine, it is believed unlikely to cause serious damage to a company of its size. The group includes approximately 500 corporate entities.
However, the conviction could make lenders and partners think twice.
The Trump Organization also faces a fraud lawsuit filed by New York state Attorney General Letitia James.
And Donald Trump himself is investigated by the US Department of Justice for his handling of sensitive government documents after he left office in January 2021 – and attempts to overturn the November 2020 election, which he lost to Joe Biden.
