This morning, the judge delivered a verdict in the criminal case initiated by the Public Prosecutor’s Office against Mrs. S.d C., her son M.S.R., her daughter E.V.A., and her former partner K.M.F. Present in the courtroom were Mrs. S.d C. and her children M.S.R. and E.V.A.
The judge found S.d C. guilty of embezzlement and money laundering involving 3.2 million florins belonging to clients who had paid her to handle their tax matters.
The case began last year, with S.d C., an alleged tax expert, being accused of embezzlement, fraud, and money laundering involving four clients whose tax affairs she handled between 2017 and 2022. Clients paid her money to settle tax matters, but instead, S.d C. used the funds for personal purposes.
Embezzled 3.2 Million Florins from Clients
The judge stated that S.d C. admitted to all charges. Several clients filed police reports stating that they had given money to S.d C. to manage their tax affairs, but it turned out that she used the funds for herself. She persuaded clients to transfer money directly to her.
In total, approximately 3.2 million florins were received from clients. Over 530,000 florins were transferred to accounts belonging to her children and former partner. The judge noted that S.d C. did not issue receipts, making it impossible to determine how the embezzled funds were spent.
3 Years and 8 Months in Prison
Regarding sentencing, the judge stated that S.d C. was guilty of large-scale fraud and had abused the trust of clients who entrusted her with tax payments. There was no clarity on where the money went, causing clients to incur fines and problems with the Tax Department. The judge emphasized that the offenses occurred over a long period and involved many victims.
The prosecution demanded a prison sentence of four years, which the judge found justified. However, due to the defense’s criticism that the Public Prosecutor exceeded the legal time limits for prosecution, the judge reduced the sentence from 48 months to 44 months. As a result, S.d C. will remain free for now but must still serve her sentence.
Claims for Compensation
The judge confirmed that clients submitted compensation claims. Several claims were declared inadmissible due to a lack of explanation regarding the amounts claimed. The judge stated that S.d C. signed a document acknowledging responsibility for damages totaling 3 million florins and that failure to comply would result in 200 days of imprisonment. Approved claims and payment measures were outlined by the judge.
Must Repay More Than 87 Thousand Florins
Regarding the confiscation request by the prosecution, the judge ruled that S.d C. must repay 87,819.24 florins. This amount is separate from the clients’ compensation claims related to the 3.2 million florins.
Son and Daughter Convicted
The judge found S.d C.’s son, M.R.S., guilty as an accomplice to money laundering. Funds were transferred to his bank account, originating from money laundering activities. Despite M.R.S.’s claim that he was unaware, the judge rejected this defense. For over a year and six months, M.R.S. received funds from his mother, withdrew the money, and handed it over to her in cash. Aruba Bank even considered closing his account. He was sentenced to six months in prison.
The daughter, E.V.A., also received funds from her mother into her bank account and performed similar actions. The judge did not find her guilty as an accomplice but ruled that she should have monitored the financial transactions and recognized that something was wrong. She was found guilty of unintentional money laundering and sentenced to 54 hours of community service or, alternatively, 27 days in prison.
Former Partner Acquitted
The former partner, K.M.F., was also suspected of money laundering after 112,000 florins were transferred to his account. Investigations showed that he allowed S.d C. to use his bank card but was unaware of what was happening in his account. The judge ruled there was no evidence that he knew about the crimes and acquitted him