‘Rick Gates did it’ is Paul Manafort’s sole defence in US court
Trump’s former campaign manager is putting the blame for his tax-and bank-fraud charges firmly at the feet of his former right-hand man
Newark/Washington — Blame it on Gates. That’s Paul Manafort’s defence against tax-and bank-fraud charges in the first trial to come out of US Special Counsel Robert Mueller’s probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election. US President Donald Trump’s former campaign manager never committed any crimes and was betrayed by his right-hand man, Rick Gates, who embezzled millions of dollars and lied to prosecutors to stay out of prison, Manafort’s lawyer told jurors on uesday at the start of the trial. Manafort is accused of lying on his tax returns after making more than $60m as a political consultant in Ukraine, concealing Cyprus bank accounts from US authorities, and lying to banks to get $20m in loans. With his tax-free earnings, Manafort splurged on luxuries such as a $21,000 watch and a $15,000 ostrich jacket, a prosecutor told jurors. But while the outlines of Mueller’s case were well known before the trial began, Manafort’s attorney Thomas Zehnle revealed, for the first time, ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.