Tax authorities conduct search on Alfons Schuhbeck, accused of tax fraud.
Renowned German chef Alfons Schuhbeck, known for his popular TV show appearances and gastronomic empire, is once again under investigation for financial misconduct. The Munich public prosecutor's office has launched an investigation into Schuhbeck, focusing on his businesses at the Platzl in the Bavarian capital.
This latest investigation comes after Schuhbeck was convicted in 2022 for tax evasion, for which he received a three-and-a-half-year suspended sentence and a fine equivalent to approximately 127,822.97 euros. The earlier conviction was in connection with the sale of capital investments. Schuhbeck, at the time, claimed he was also a victim of an investment advisor.
Schuhbeck's business empire, which employs 250 people, includes shops, a catering service, and several restaurants. At the Platzl, his empire comprises the restaurants Südtiroler Stuben, Schuhbecks Orlando, Orlando Bar and Lounge, Orlando Sportsbar, and the fine dining restaurant Alfons. A tea and chocolate shop is currently closed due to renovation at the Platzl.
Several searches were carried out at the Platzl as part of the ongoing investigation. However, it is important to note that the investigations do not automatically lead to an indictment or conviction for Schuhbeck in the current case.
Schuhbeck, who is also a prominent TV chef on the ZDF show "Küchenschlacht", has expressed full cooperation with the public prosecutor's office in the ongoing investigation. The amount in question could be up to almost one million euros, but the exact figure has not been disclosed.
It is worth mentioning that Schuhbeck's earlier conviction in 1994 resulted in a one-year suspended sentence and a fine of approximately 127,822.97 euros for breach of trust and tax evasion.
Schuhbeck's empire also includes an ice cream parlor and a multi-story spice shop at the Platzl. Several of his stores were temporarily closed during the searches until midday.
The prosecution has highlighted that Schuhbeck attempted to maintain the appearance of successful enterprises while knowingly hiding their financial distress and misusing government assistance during the pandemic. The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
In light of the ongoing investigation, concerns about inflation in Schuhbeck's businesses, particularly those at the Platzl, may arise due to the significant amounts potentially involved. The investigation into Schuhbeck's financial conduct, stretching back to his tax evasion conviction in 2022, is also raising questions within the general-news sphere regarding the accountability of high-profile figures in the finance and business realm, including crime-and-justice implications.
