Japan sisters face huge tax-evasion charge

Published: March. 13, 2008 at 2:04 AM

OSAKA, Japan, March 13 (UPI) -- Two Japanese sisters are in custody, accused of dodging about $28.5 million in inheritance tax they allegedly owed the government, authorities said.

The 64- and 55-year-old sisters, who run real estate and finance companies, are accused of violating Japan's inheritance tax law, the Mainichi Shimbun reported Wednesday.

Prosecutors and the Osaka Regional Taxation Bureau reportedly raided 10 locations Tuesday, including the sisters' homes.

Prosecutors allege the two inherited about $59 million from their father but didn't report most of it and so still owe $28.5 million in taxes.

The report said authorities found almost all of the concealed cash in dozens of cardboard boxes and paper bags in the older sister's home. She denied the allegations, saying she had earned the money herself.

If proved, the case could become Japan's largest inheritance tax-evasion case, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported.

© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Order reprints



Additional News Stories
NHL: Toronto 3, Ottawa 2 (4 min)
250 Christmas tree fires kill 14 each year (6 min)
NHL: Atlanta 3, New York Rangers 2 (SO) (15 min)
Canadians aim to reduce sepsis deaths (18 min)
NHL: Philadelphia 3, Boston 1 (35 min)
Four convicted in Topaz assault case (43 min)
UPI Sports Calendar for Tuesday, Dec. 15 (43 min)
fark
If you MUST rob a bank, don't make your getaway in your BMW with personalized plates bearing your...
White House computer technicians discover 22 million previously missing Bush administration emails...
Oh, yes, Hain Celestial Split Pea Soup. Full of country goodness, and milky peaness
Supermarket unveils line of Christmas cards making fun of redheads. Naturally the gingers have a...
The Gin And Titonic Ice Tray lets you make four icebergs and one ice-replica of the Titanic. "Sick...
Postal Service says today is busiest mailing day of year, with 84 million pieces, of which 83.99...