Tax evasion

Koim stated at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) and the Internal Revenue Commission (IRC) on the 28th of March, 2023 at the IRC Headquarters. 

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation and coordination between the tax administration and the bank. The MOU also sets out the expectations and responsibilities of each party and outlines the process for resolving any disputes or issues that may arise during the collaboration.

The 33-year-old was accused last year of evading €14.7million in taxes relating to his image rights between 2011 and 2014.

According to reports in Spain on Monday, Ronaldo's legal team made a settlement offer of €3.8m, plus admission of wrongdoing, which was rejected by the country's tax authorities.

The Portugal international appeared in court last year to respond to the allegations, insisting "I always pay what I have to pay; I do things the right way and I will continue to do so". His representatives, Gestifute, have also persistently denied any wrongdoing.

The National Government needs to exercise caution and needs in-depth research when addressing tax issues in the country.

“The government continues to target the same people with increased tax every year when they can set up measures to address tax issues properly and fairly,” Juffa said in a statement.

“There are big companies like supermarkets, logging and even foreign owned companies that avoid tax to maximise their profits using all types of means.

Prosecutors said Ponta has been indicted on charges including tax evasion, money laundering, conflict of interest and making false statements while he was working as a lawyer in 2007 and 2008. At the time, Ponta was a lawmaker. He denies wrongdoing.

Prosecutors also said in a statement Monday that they temporarily froze Ponta's personal assets which include shares in a house, an apartment and several bank accounts. He sold two apartments in May for 150,000 euros ($170,000) and also sold a car.