German prosecutors are hoping to extend the prison sentence of former Freshfield tax partner Ulf Johannemann from three to a maximum of 10 years in a long-running case linked to a defunct Canadian bank and the loss of almost €390 million (US$417 million) in tax money.
Johannemann was initially found guilty in January of aiding and abetting a ‘particularly serious case’ of tax fraud and sentenced to three years and six months. Frankfurt prosecutors have now appealed that decision, however, asking the court to re-sentence Johannemann on the more serious charge of acting as an ‘accomplice’, which indicates gross negligence or knowledge that a crime would be committed.
