Adriano Accused Of Tax Evasion

Barcelona defender Adriano has been cited for defrauding the Spanish tax authorities of more than €700,000 in money owed on image rights.

‘Marca’ reports the allegation and notes it was first levelled against the Brazilian in October 2015, with the Barcelona prosecutor following up the charge.

It’s alleged Adriano used a company in Madeira, Portugal, to defraud the tax office in 2011 and 2012, and would be the third Barca player to be accused of doing so.

Lionel Messi and Javier Mascherano were accused of similar acts, while ‘AS’ adds that Xabi Alonso also had the allegation directed at him.

‘El Pais’ further claims that the Alonso, Adriano and Mascherano’s image rights were all funnelled through a company of the same address in Madeira, with the company responsible for Adriano’s image rights having been registered as a ‘non-perishable goods wholesaler.’

Adriano is reported to owe €190,000 for 2011 and €450,000 for 2012.