Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness has admitted to defrauding the tax authorities of at least 18.5 million euros, according to defense documents revealed on the first day of his trial, which could potentially lead to a prison sentence.
The revelations came swiftly on Monday in Munich, with Hoeness himself acknowledging his guilt during the trial’s opening. The figure of 18.5 million euros stems from banking documents submitted to the court by Hoeness’s defense shortly before the trial commenced. Hoeness declared a “clean slate, without any exception” regarding his past actions.
Contrary to the prosecution’s initial assessment of 3.5 million euros in unpaid taxes, Hoeness’s defense contends that the amount of tax fraud committed by the Bayern leader is “well over 15 million euros,” totaling at least 18.5 million euros. The prosecution alleges that Hoeness failed to declare 33.5 million euros of financial gains from an undisclosed Swiss bank account.
In a remarkable admission, Hoeness stated at the outset of the trial, “I engaged in tax evasion,” expressing deep regret for his actions and emphasizing his desire to fully confront “this distressing chapter” of his life.
If the court rules in favor of the prosecution, Hoeness could face up to 10 years in prison. German courts typically impose prison sentences for tax evasion exceeding one million euros. Hoeness faces a particularly daunting prospect as the presiding judge is known for being strict in such cases.
