Asset freeze extended to Neymar's helicopter
Brazilian authorities have extended their freeze on football superstar Neymar's assets to his helicopter, the latest step in a probe into alleged tax evasion by the FC Barcelona striker.
The helicopter, whose market value is estimated at $3.8 million, was not included in a list of frozen assets divulged on 15 February, but it had real estate, a yacht and a plane, reports Efe.
As in the case of the assets frozen earlier, Neymar may use the helicopter but is not allowed to sell it unless he is cleared to do so by the court here that is hearing the case. Neymar's attorneys have already announced that they will appeal the decision, which was made by the National Civil Aviation Agency.
The goal of the asset freezes is to ensure payment of possible back taxes and fines stemming from alleged irregularities related to his transfer to FC Barcelona from Brazilian club Santos in June 2013.
Brazilian judicial authorities have thus far frozen assets belonging to Neymar, his father and three companies linked to the player's family that are valued at 192.7 million reais ($48 million).
Prosecutors are seeking a judgment that would order Neymar to pay nearly 63.6 million reais ($16 million) on undeclared income between 2011 and 2013 related to his transfer from Santos to Barcelona.