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             Brazil Charges World's Richest Banker With Tax Scheme

   by VOA News

   Brazilian prosecutors have charged Joseph Safra, the world's richest
   banker, in connection with an alleged scheme to reduce or waive fines
   on back taxes.

   Prosecutors said in a statement Thursday that Safra knew about a 2014
   plan by executives at Banco Safra to pay more than $4 million in bribes
   to government officials.

   Bank executive Joao Inacio Puga, who allegedly negotiated the
   bribe-payment scheme, was also charged, based on recorded conversation
   with tax officials.

   The statement said that Safra was not directly involved in the bribery
   negotiations, but the conversation showed that Puga reported to Safra
   on the scheme.

   Banco Safra said in a statement that the charges filed by the Federal
   Prosecutor's Office were "unfounded," adding that the Safra Group did
   not offer any bribe to tax auditors and did not receive any benefits.

   Safra's wealth is estimated at about $18 billion by Forbes magazine.
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/brazil-safra-bribery-charge/3264549.html