Barcelona member files complaint accusing Joan Laporta and directors of money laundering and criminal organisation | OneFootball

According to Superdeporte, a Barcelona member has lodged a complaint against former president and candidate Joan Laporta and part of his executive team, alleging serious economic crimes. The filing cites money laundering, mismanagement and corporate offences, document falsification, tax fraud and criminal organisation.

The complaint claims an intent to conceal using shell companies and undisclosed investors, to the club’s potential detriment. It says commissions on Barça contracts were routed via Cypriot firms Vestigia and Hellgas, then through New Era Visionary, before being reintroduced to the club.

On mismanagement, it alleges Barça’s future assets, including 30 years of VIP boxes valued at 100 million euros, were pledged for immediate cash. It also points to sales of Barça Vision stakes to allegedly opaque linked entities that harmed the club’s assets.

Possible falsification is alleged if the board hid information in the annual accounts, for example by not disclosing New Era Visionary Group’s real links or by misclassifying a 28 million euro entry. The complaint says the auditor noted losses should have been at least 130 million euros higher and hinted some sales were booked improperly, which, if proven, could carry corporate criminal liability.

Tax fraud is also alleged, focused on whether commissions were taxed and whether Laporta covertly benefited, which would require tracing funds, including possible use of invoices for services not provided. It also alleges a coordinated and stable structure of multiple people and companies. An investigating judge will decide whether any offences were committed.

Source: Superdeporte