Trump organization found guilty on all counts in tax fraud trial 

Two Trump Organization companies were found guilty on Tuesday of multiple charges of criminal tax fraud and carrying out a 15-year-long criminal scheme to defraud tax authorities. 

The Trump Organization, a real estate company operating hotels, golf courses, and other real estate operations, was accused of paying personal expenses to top executives and issuing bonus checks as if they were independent contractors, reported Reuters. 

The two Trump Organization companies, Trump Corp. and Trump Payroll Corp, were found guilty of all charges they faced by a Manhattan jury after two days of deliberations. The 17 charges include scheming to defraud tax authorities, conspiracy, and falsifying business records. 

The Trump Organization is facing a maximum of $1.6 million in fines and may face difficulties securing loans and financing in the future. 

“This was a case about greed and cheating,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “The Trump Corporation and the Trump Payroll Corporation got away with a scheme that awarded high-level executives with lavish perks and compensation while intentionally concealing the benefits from the taxing authorities to avoid paying taxes. Today’s verdict holds these Trump companies accountable for their long-running criminal scheme.”

Trump Organization attorneys said they plan to appeal the verdict, claiming that the criminal law governing corporate liability was vague and the case was “unprecedented and legally incorrect.”

Former President Donald Trump and his family were not charged during the case. However, Trump said in a statement that he was “disappointed” by the verdict, and called the case a “Manhattan witch hunt.”

The organization will be sentenced on January 13.