The men were convicted of serious tax fraud of NOK 17,3 and NOK 4,2 million. The prison sentence was set at four years and six months for one and two years and three months for the other. In addition, they were ordered to pay damages to the State of NOK 12,4 and NOK 4 million. The convicts were also sentenced to joint and several liability for approx. 3,5 million.
The convicts established a total of 12 limited liability companies and informed the Tax Office that the companies incurred research and development costs eligible for payment through the tax identification system
The District Court states, among other things, that the tax fraud has been going on for several years, and the methodical and planned implementation clearly indicates that the defendants were in favor of the abuse of trust that was associated with the scheme.
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The judgment also states that "the defendants deliberately kept incorrect accounting for the project, including maintaining and certifying time sheets work for fictitious employees, as well as surreptitiously refunding wages in order to 'inflate' the cost basis that underpinned the payments.”
– The verdict seems to be fair, and the court substantively relies on the arguments of the prosecutor's office. Økokrim is pleased that heavy penalties are being imposed for extensive tax evasion, says prosecutor Elisabeth Frankrig.
Several bank accounts both in Norway and abroad
The district court also emphasizes that detecting criminal activity was very difficult. The men opened several bank accounts both in Norway and abroad. “The criminal activity also involved the creation and administration of a significant number of bank accounts with associated currency transactions between several Norwegian and Emirati companies and foreign employees. This complex system also made it very difficult to detect illegal activity.”
– Økokrim pays close attention to financial crimes involving the use of bank accounts and companies in the so-called tax havens, says Frankrig.
The case was reported by the Tax Office. The judgment is not final.
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Source: Økokrim
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