The suspect repeatedly mentioned how important mutual trust is in the equine world, but he himself expressed ambiguity and secrecy. For example, he had other people in Switzerland withdraw amounts of more than 850,000 euros and move them around the world in cash because “some people just wanted to be paid in cash.” In determining the verdict, the court also takes into account that the suspect, as an outstanding horse dealer, had an exemplary job, but by his actions he contributed specifically to the fact that others believed that he could use a similar method.
The exact amount of the total money laundered could not be determined, because the sums of money and the value of the horses had partly legal origin mixed with the part of the crime. According to the court, it is reasonable that the amount involved in any case is higher than one million euros, so that the suspect falls into the most severe penalty categories for this type of crime. It also takes into account that administrative measures are still pending against the suspect, for which the tax authorities are requesting 5.7 million euros from him. In all, the court found a 15-month prison sentence, of which 6 months were suspended.
