Trump Organization, the former president’s company, was found guilty of tax fraud

The Donald Trump’s real estate company was found guilty Tuesday of running a criminal scheme spanning more than 15 years to defraud tax authorities, adding to the legal troubles facing the former US president as he campaigns for a return to the White House in 2024.

The Trump Organization, which operates hotels, golf courses and other real estate around the world, faces fines for the conviction. The exact amount will be determined by the judge leading the trial in New York state court at a later date.

The company pleaded not guilty. Trump himself was not charged in the case.

While the fine is not expected to be significant for a company the size of the Trump Organization, a jury conviction could complicate its ability to do business by scaring off lenders y partners.

The case centered on allegations that the company paid personal expenses such as free rent and car leases for top executives, including the Former CFO Allen Weisselbergwithout reporting income, and paid them bonuses as if they were independent contractors.

“The smorgasbord of benefits is designed to keep their top executives happy and loyal,” prosecutor Joshua Steinglass told the jury during closing arguments Friday.

The Trump Organization is facing a separate fraud lawsuit brought by New York State Attorney General Letitia James.

Trump himself is under investigation by the US Department of Justice for his handling of confidential government documents after he left office in January 2021, after losing the November 2020 election to the Democrat. Joe Biden.