Mask affair: politician's daughter Tandler faces more than four years in prison
The public prosecutor's office demanded a sentence in the upper range of the plea bargain, i.e. four years and nine months. The defense demanded a sentence in the lower range.
In the course of the plea agreement, the court focused the prosecution's accusations on part of the alleged income tax evasion. The allegation of trade tax evasion was retained in full, while allegations in connection with gift tax were dropped.
The total tax loss of 11.5 million euros was made good by Tandler and her co-defendant business partner Darius N.. The business partner also confessed and is facing a prison sentence of between three and a half and four years. A verdict in the trial is to be announced on Friday.
The daughter of former CSU General Secretary and State Minister Gerold Tandler, who has been in custody since the beginning of the year, had originally denied the allegations in the proceedings, which have been ongoing since the beginning of October. At the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Tandler had brokered masks, protective suits and disposable gloves and quickly generated sales of more than 440 million euros with her new company.
Tandler used her connections to CSU politicians to get into business. She collected more than 26.5 million euros in commission, which later rose to 48.3 million euros.
In her closing statement, Tandler said: "If I could turn back time, I would not make all the mistakes that I have made in recent years and for which I am personally responsible again." However, as she could not undo the mistakes, she apologized. Tandler pointed out that she had paid the underpaid taxes, including interest and fees, in full. "That was extremely important to me."
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The public prosecutor's office expects a severe sentence for Tandler, given her role in the 'Mask affair.' Despite her father's political background as a former CSU General Secretary, Tandler has been in custody since the beginning of the year.
Tandler's liability in the 'Mask affair' extends beyond four years, as per the public prosecutor's demands. However, her defense team argued for a sentence in a lower range.
The 'Mask affair' implicated Tandler in alleged tax evasion, resulting in a total loss of 11.5 million euros. She and her business partner have since made full restitution, but this has not prevented other charges from standing.
The 'Mask affair' saw Tandler using her political connections to gain business opportunities, resulting in substantial commission. The commission eventually amounted to over 48.3 million euros.
The 'Mask affair' masks a complex tax process involving income, trade, and gift taxes. Tandler acknowledged her mistakes, apologized, and paid all taxes, including interest and fees, in full.
The 'Mask affair' trial, which started in October, will conclude with a verdict on Friday. The business partner involved in the affair is also expected to receive a prison sentence between three and a half and four years.
The 'Mask affair' has been a significant event in Munich Regional Court, shedding light on Tandler's business dealings and subsequent legal proceedings.
Source: www.stern.de
