Taxi Operator Convicted for €440k Social Security Fraud
A 58-year-old taxi operator from the Karlsruhe district has been convicted for social security fraud, totaling over 440,000 euros. The operator, who also ran a café, evaded paying contributions for health, pension, unemployment, and long-term care insurance, as well as income tax and potential fines. A routine check by Karlsruhe customs uncovered the fraud.
The operator employed staff in both his taxi business and café but failed to pay their social security contributions and taxes. Instead, he claimed short-time work allowance during the COVID-19 pandemic fraudulently. To conceal his actions, he destroyed retention obligation documents daily and instructed drivers to fill out shift records incompletely.
The court found the operator guilty of withholding and misappropriating wages in 126 cases. He was sentenced to one year and four months in prison, suspended, and ordered to perform 120 hours of community service. The court also ordered him to pay damages of over 440,000 euros to cover the unpaid social security contributions and taxes.
The taxi operator's fraudulent activities have resulted in a significant financial impact, affecting various social security systems and tax authorities. His conviction sends a clear message that such offenses will not be tolerated, and those responsible will face serious consequences.
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