NY PROSECUTORS INDICTING TRUMP EXEC FOR TAX FRAUD

New York prosecutors investigating former US President Donald Trump's business practices are likely to issue one or more criminal indictments this week – but not against Trump himself as yet, according to people involved in the case, Joseph Tanfani and Peter Eisler reported for Reuters.

Ronald Fischetti, an attorney representing Trump, said on Monday that based on discussions with prosecutors he expects “no charges” will be brought against Trump in the initial round of indictments.

Others familiar with the case said prosecutors are preparing criminal charges against Allen Weisselberg, longtime chief financial officer for the Trump Organization, and also are considering criminal charges against the company.

After an almost three-year investigation of Trump’s property dealings, the initial charges by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr will focus mainly on whether Weisselberg and other company officials received corporate perks and benefits, such as rent-free apartments and leased cars, that were not reported properly on their tax returns, according to several people familiar with the investigation.

The exact charges prosecutors are preparing are not known. Bess Levin of Vanity Fair said two of Weisselberg’s sons may also be charged for receiving pecuniary benefits from the Trump Organization. Jack Weisselberg, who used to work for Trump, eventually ended up being employed by Ladder Capital, which granted Trump a loan of $250 million.

The indictments would be the investigation’s first against top officials at Trump's company, marking a critical shift from investigation to prosecution.

Prosecutors have been pressing Weisselberg, 73, to cooperate with their probe and provide testimony, so far without success.

An indictment would increase that pressure. Weisselberg is among Trump’s closest confidants, having worked for the company since 1973 when it was run by Trump’s father, Fred.

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