“We didn’t take the decision lightly,” said Judge Michael Tolstiuk when the verdict was announced. According to the judge, there was no apparent intent to evade tax. The proceedings have been under camera since June 13 in the Vienna Criminal Court.
The trial concerned the allegation of tax evasion on the commissions for Grasser’s involvement with Meinl International Power. According to the indictment, Grasser is said to have evaded taxes of EUR 2.16 million out of proceeds of EUR 4.38 million from Meinl commissions. Grasser and his advisor always denied the allegation. The appeal process in the Buwog trial, in which Grasser was not legally sentenced to eight years in prison in the first instance, is still open.
The verdict is not final, the public prosecutor’s office has not issued a statement, the representative of the Republic has announced nullity.
Source: Nachrichten
