Brazilian Authorities Investigate Neymar Over Fraud Allegations

Brazil and Barcelona attacker Neymar could be charged by Brazilian authorities over four counts of fraud in relation to a tax case prior to his transfer to Barcelona in 2013.


FC Barcelona’s Neymar arrives with his father Neymar Santos, right, to the national court to testify in an investigation into alleged irregularities regarding his transfer to Barcelona, in Madrid
According to the BBC, various companies were set up as fronts in order for the striker to pay a lower rate of tax.

Officials say the allegations against the Barcelona striker cover a seven-year period from 2006 when he was still in Brazil and his income came from Brazilian sources.

The allegations are separate from a case the striker is battling in Spain.

Government prosecutors recommending his prosecution on four charges of fraud, say companies were set up as fronts, and money that should have been taxed at the rate of a private individual was channelled into these companies and subject to a lower rate.

Brazilian prosecutors have also framed fraud charges against Neymar’s father Neymar da Silva Santos, Barcelona President Josep Maria Bartomeu and his predecessor Sandro Rosell relating to the striker’s move to Barcelona in 2013.

Barcelona said it paid €57m (£43m) for Neymar but investigators say the fee was closer to €83m and the club concealed part of the deal.naij