Politician's Daughter Tandler Faces Prison Time for Alleged Tax Evasion in Coronavirus Mask Affair
Andrea Tandler, the daughter of a former Bavarian Minister of Finance, is looking at more than four years behind bars due to tax evasion charges in relation to the coronavirus mask affair in Bavaria. Her business partner N., who is also facing charges, is set to serve at least three and a half years according to a plea bargain agreement. The agreement was reached following a court hearing on Tuesday, where both defendants largely admitted to the charges through their lawyers and announced their intention to make amends for any damage caused. A verdict is expected on Friday.
Tandler Brokered Deals Worth Almost 50 Million Euros
The transactions in question occurred at the start of the coronavirus pandemic in 2020, when Tandler facilitated deals with various federal and state authorities on behalf of a Swiss mask supplier. This resulted in significant commission payments for Tandler, totaling almost 50 million euros. However, the public prosecutor's office alleges that Tandler and N. failed to pay the correct tax on these commissions, ultimately leading to charges of tax evasion.
Specifically, Tandler was accused of paying tax on the commissions via a company rather than as an individual, thereby significantly reducing her overall tax liability. Additionally, N. is said to have received half of the shares in a newly formed company without contributing anything, leading to accusations of gift tax evasion.
Unpaid Trade Taxes and Place of Management
The accusation of trade tax evasion stemmed from the fact that the income from the mask business was not taxed in Munich as per the indictment, even though it was the "place of management." Compared to Munich, only half of the trade tax is due in Grünwald, the location where the income was declared. The Munich I public prosecutor's office ultimately estimated the economic loss at 15.2 million euros.
Partial Admission of Charges
During the court hearing on Tuesday, both defendants admitted to the tax evasion allegations related to income tax and trade tax. The proceedings relating to gift tax evasion and coronavirus subsidy fraud were withdrawn with the consent of the public prosecutor's office.
Plea Bargains and Confessions
In a plea bargain agreement, both parties agree on the expected verdict if the defendant offers a confession. The court can then state the anticipated sentence, and the deal is finalized once both the defendant and the public prosecutor agree to the key terms (section 257c of the Code of Criminal Procedure).
Additional Context
During the fourth wave of the pandemic in November 2021, record cases surged, but severe cases and deaths among adults remained relatively low due to vaccinations. Fraud and mask distribution issues were prevalent throughout Germany, and the Berlin State Criminal Police Office estimated substantial damage due to such malpractice. Legal challenges to COVID-19 measures, including vaccine mandates and restrictions, faced opposition from various parties, but no specific information regarding the mask affair or tax evasion charges is provided in the available sources.
