Late billionaire's heirs to pay $750m to settle massive tax fraud case
Share this @internewscast.com

The descendants of a deceased billionaire, who faced allegations of significant tax evasion, have consented to a $750 million settlement with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to conclude a substantial civil fraud lawsuit against him.

The estate of Robert Brockman, a pioneer in the tech industry, finalized the agreement on Tuesday, bringing to an end a protracted legal conflict initiated when he faced a 39-count indictment in 2020.

Brockman was accused of orchestrating a plan to conceal approximately $2 billion in income from the IRS.

This case represented the most extensive tax evasion accusation ever leveled against an individual by U.S. prosecutors.

The charges against Brockman extended to include wire fraud and money laundering.

Brockman passed away in August 2022 amidst his ongoing criminal proceedings, shortly after a judge declared him fit for trial despite his dementia diagnosis.

Brockman was survived by his wife of 53 years, Dorothy, his son Robert II, his brother David, a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren.

Now, his estate has agreed to pay back $456million in back taxes and $294million in penalties as part of a separate civil case, per the Wall Street Journal.

In 2020, Robert Brockman was charged with running a 'scheme' to hide about $2billion in income from the Internal Revenue Service

In 2020, Robert Brockman was charged with running a ‘scheme’ to hide about $2billion in income from the Internal Revenue Service

Brockman was survived by his wife Dorothy (right), his son Robert II, his brother David, a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

Brockman was survived by his wife Dorothy (right), his son Robert II, his brother David, a daughter-in-law and two grandchildren

Brockman was worth about $4.7billion when he died, according to Forbes.

Prosecutors said he owned a Houston mansion worth about $8million, a ski cabin in Aspen, Colorado, a Bombardier private jet and a 209-foot yacht.

The former chief executive of Reynolds & Reynolds Co was accused of hiding his vast income from the IRS over two decades.

He allegedly used a web of off-shore companies in Bermuda, and St. Kitts and Nevis.

The indictment alleged Brockman appointed nominees to manage those entities for him as a way to hide his involvement.

He even established an encrypted communications system and would use code words such as ‘Permit,’ ‘Red fish’ or ‘Snapper’ to communicate.

The tech billionaire was also accused of directing ‘untaxed capital gains income to secret bank accounts’ across Bermuda and Switzerland.

Join the debate

Should billionaires face harsher penalties for hiding massive wealth from the taxman?

Brockman lived in a $8million mansion (pictured) in Houston, Texas. He also owned a 143-acre Colorado property and fishing lodge on the Frying Pan River

Brockman lived in a $8million mansion (pictured) in Houston, Texas. He also owned a 143-acre Colorado property and fishing lodge on the Frying Pan River

Brockman's lawyers argued he was unfit to stand trial, claiming that his Parkinson's disease had only grown worse and led to dementia

Brockman’s lawyers argued he was unfit to stand trial, claiming that his Parkinson’s disease had only grown worse and led to dementia

As he awaited trial, Brockman’s lawyers argued he was unfit to take the stand, claiming his Parkinson’s disease caused dementia which had only grown worse after also contracting COVID.

In filings, his attorneys said Brockman had been hospitalized with toxic metabolic encephalopathy, which threatened to exacerbate his apparent cognitive decline.

However, a judge ruled that the tech billionaire was competent to face the charges.

That happened in May 2022, just weeks before Brockman passed on August 5.

Attorneys said Brockman was bedridden and in hospice care in the weeks before his death.

However, a civil case continued in tax court even after Brockman’s passing.

Brockman’s former associates and employees long described him as a frugal billionaire who would stay at budget hotels and eat frozen dinners while on business trips.

Prosecutors said he also owned a Bombardier Inc. Global 6000 private jet, valued at roughly $62million

Prosecutors said he also owned a Bombardier Inc. Global 6000 private jet, valued at roughly $62million

Brockman's attorneys said the former Reynolds & Reynolds Co chief executive was bedridden and in hospice care in the weeks leading to his death

Brockman’s attorneys said the former Reynolds & Reynolds Co chief executive was bedridden and in hospice care in the weeks leading to his death

He bought used furniture for his offices and banned his employees from smoking so that his company could save on health insurance.

The tech businessman believed the IRS unfairly went after taxpayers.

The agency had originally sought back $1.4billion including interest, per the Wall Street Journal.

Instead, Brockman’s estate will pay $456 million in back taxes and $294 million in penalties covering tax years 2004 to 2018.

Brockman’s tax evasion charges were deemed historic after he was indicted in 2020.

‘The allegation of a $2billion tax fraud is the largest ever tax charge against an individual in the United States,’ US Attorney David Anderson said in a press conference in San Francisco.

The order directing Brockman’s estate to reimburse the IRS was signed Tuesday by US Tax Court Judge Kathleen Kerrigan. 

It was not immediately clear how much interest would apply.

The Daily Mail has reached out to McDermott Will & Schulte, which represented Brockman’s estate, for comment.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Marty Supreme Matches Record for Most BAFTA Losses, Becoming Ceremony’s Biggest Loser

SUPPORTING ACTOR Benicio Del Toro – One Battle After Another Jacob Elordi…

Gisele Bundchen Enjoys a Relaxing Miami Bike Ride with Her Little One

Gisele Bundchen appeared serene as she embarked on yet another leisurely bike…

NFL Mourns Loss of Vikings’ Rondale Moore at 25: Fans and Teammates Share Heartfelt Tributes

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Rondale Moore…

Urgent Military Shift: US Troop Relocation from Qatar Amidst Rising Tensions with Iran

In a development illustrating the rising tensions between the United States and…

Virginia Giuffre’s Attorney Criticizes CPS for Mishandling Case Against Prince Andrew

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has been criticized for not pursuing legal…

Green Party to Decide on Controversial Stance Regarding Hamas Actions

The Green Party is set to vote on a controversial motion that…

American Tourists Stranded in Mexican Resort Amid Cartel Chaos: Vehicles Torched in Violent Unrest

Puerto Vallarta, a renowned tourist destination in Mexico, descended into turmoil following…

Prince William Honors Renowned British Army TikTok Influencer

Prince William has honored the memory of a brave British Army medic,…

UK NHS Struggles with £1.3 Million Burden for Asylum Seeker Care in City Barracks

The NHS Highland health board, already grappling with financial challenges, is faced…

Secret Service Neutralizes Armed Intruder at Mar-a-Lago: Security Incident Unfolds at Trump’s Florida Residence

In the early hours today, a man was fatally shot by Secret…

Leading U.S. Bank Confirms Closure of Trump’s Accounts

Outrage has erupted among conservatives after JPMorgan Chase terminated Donald Trump’s personal…

Revealed: German Countess’s Link Between Jeffrey Epstein and UK Government Uncovered

Nicole Junkermann, a sophisticated German countess with significant wealth, was known for…