So they've evaded taxes, and they've hurt the company, and they're facing jail time.

Maribor police have filed criminal charges against three individuals suspected of misusing their positions of trust within a Slovenian company to siphon off over one million euros in cash, according to the Police Department in Maribor. The suspects are accused of embezzlement and tax evasion, with authorities estimating the damage to both the company and the state budget at around 413,000 euros. The investigation was initiated by the local prosecutors' office and focuses on two alleged crimes related to economic crime. According to police reports, the three individuals were responsible for managing transactional accounts of the Slovenian firm between April and December 2023. During this period, they allegedly authorized or executed unauthorized cash withdrawals totaling approximately 1.2 million euros from all the company's transactional accounts. These funds were reportedly used for personal expenses, which the tax authority classified as hidden income subject to a 25 percent income tax rate. This resulted in an estimated unpaid tax liability of around 306,000 euros, contributing to a total loss to the state budget of roughly 413,000 euros. In addition to the charges of abuse of position or trust, two of the suspects face allegations of tax evasion. They are accused of submitting forged invoices from various Slovenian companies during the 2023 tax audit period. These false documents allowed them to claim an illegal VAT refund of approximately 107,000 euros in the name of the Slovenian company. The tax authority has since identified these transactions and determined that the withdrawn cash constituted concealed profit, triggering additional tax obligations. The police explained that the investigation was launched based on the directives of the local prosecutors' office, focusing on two specific criminal acts under economic crime legislation. The individuals are being investigated for their roles as responsible persons and authorized representatives on the company’s bank accounts. Their actions, according to police, caused significant financial harm to the company and the state. Authorities emphasized that the misuse of a position of trust or confidence in business activities carries a potential prison sentence of up to eight years. Similarly, tax evasion is punishable by a comparable penalty. The case highlights the seriousness with which such financial misconduct is treated in Slovenia. The investigation into the alleged financial misconduct involves multiple layers of legal scrutiny. The tax authority’s findings indicate that the unauthorized cash withdrawals were deemed hidden profits, leading to additional tax liabilities. The prosecutors' office is examining whether these actions constitute deliberate attempts to defraud both the company and the state. The individuals accused of the offenses are currently under investigation, and further legal proceedings are expected. The police have stated that the case will continue to be pursued through the appropriate judicial channels. The outcome of the investigation could lead to formal charges and subsequent trials. The incident underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in corporate financial management. As the probe continues, more details regarding the individuals involved and the extent of their actions are likely to emerge. The police have confirmed that they remain committed to fully investigating the matter and ensuring justice is served.