Colombia’s record goalscorer Radamel Falcao faces trial for allegedly defrauding the Spanish Treasury of $6.2 million, according to authorities on Tuesday.
The Provincial Office of Madrid filed complaints against the Santa Marta-born striker who allegedly failed to declare income from image rights during his time with Atletico Madrid between 2012 and 2014.
The prosecution, which acted on the basis of a complaint by the Spanish tax authorities, accuses Falcao of “two crimes against the Treasury during the fiscal years 2012 and 2013 amounting to € 822,609 and € 4,839,253.42, respectively.”
Spain to investigate Colombia soccer star Falcao for tax fraud
Authorities allege that Falcao hid some of his personal income on tax statements by omitting of details of earnings made through image rights while not having two of his companies taxed while living in the Spanish capital.
“El Tigre” allegedly set up set up corporate structures – a Colombia-based business named Business Tiger and another in the Virgin Islands called Fardey Overseas with the aim of hiding image rights income.
These latest charges by the public prosecutor also implicate Real Madrid’s Fabio Coentrao and follow on from those made against Angel Di Maria and Ricardo Carvalho last December.
Spanish authorities have already taken action against Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano who were both found guilty of fiscal fraud and handed suspended sentences in Spain.
Colombia’s renaissance man Falcao eyes Champions League glory
Falcao spent two years playing in Spain having signed for Atletico Madrid in August 2011 scoring 70 goals in 91 games and leading them to the Europa League and Super Cup in 2012.
In May 2013 he joined newly promoted French side Monaco for a club record of €60 million from Portuguese side Porto.
He suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury in January 2014 ruling him out of Colombia’s World Cup campaign.
He returned to play with Monaco this year following loan spells in the English Premier League with Manchester United and Chelsea during which he failed to make a significant impact.
The Colombian star is enjoying an excellent season with Monaco undergoing a revival of fortunes, top scoring for the French outfit who are on the cusp of winning the league for the first time since 2000, also reaching a Champions League semi-final.
