Neymar's chopper grounded by Brazilian Aviation Authority
The Barcelona star's helicopter has been embargoed by the authorities as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged tax evasion.
The National Civil Aviation Agency of Brazil (Anac) has embargoed a helicopter belonging to Barcelona forward Neymar as part of an ongoing investigation into a case alleged tax fraud, local media reported.
The chopper, which is valued at $3.8 million, was not included in a list of assets frozen by the Brazilian authorities in February 15, which included real estate, a yacht and an aeroplane belonging to the player. Brazilian daily Estadao reported that Neymar has been informed of the latest embargo.
As with the items previously embargoed, Neymar is allowed to use his helicopter but not to sell it until the case is resolved. Neymar’s lawyers have said they will lodge an appeal against the decision.
The embargo has been imposed to cover any potential fines and tax back-payments arising from the investigation, which centres on alleged irregularities in the Brazil captain’s tax returns for 2013. The total value of the embargoed assets stands at some $48 million and covers all of Neymar’s assets, those of his father and three family owned companies.
The Brazilian tax authorities are seeking around $16 million from the player in relation to undeclared tax between 2011 and 2013 relating to Neymar’s transfer from Santos to Barcelona.