Courts / Dublin / Report
Highly regarded GP jailed over €100k tax evasion
Summary
Dr Bassam Naser, a 51‑year‑old GP from Sutton, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to two charges of filing incorrect income‑tax returns for 2006 and 2007. He had hidden a bank account that received 1,686 patient cheques, amounting to almost €100,000 in unpaid tax, and now owes an additional €200,000 in penalties and fees. Judge Martin Nolan sentenced him to 16 months' imprisonment, describing the offences as serious and noting that Naser had repaid €100,000 to Revenue but persisted in evasion. The judge acknowledged mitigating factors, including patient testimonials and Naser's charitable work for Palestine, but emphasised that he knowingly avoided tax. The case highlights the court's view that tax evasion undermines the tax system and that the penalty reflects the seriousness of the breach. The sentence was imposed after the court considered the evidence and Naser's admissions.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Highly regarded GP jailed over €100k tax evasion. Charges or matters: two charges of delivering an incorrect return in connection with his income tax affairs for the years 2006 and 2007. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- October 2009 Other
- April 2013 Other
- March 2017 Other
- 2006 and 2007 Other
- 2018-06-06 Publication
Why: Mr Naidoo said his client would also suffer "a loss of reputation" because of the media attention the case would attract and noted that he would probably lose potential patients. CNI source report
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: two charges of delivering an incorrect return in connection with his income tax affairs for the years 2006 and 2007 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: Today Judge Nolan sentenced Dr Naser to 16 months in prison after he described the offences as serious. "An efficient and good tax system is vital to a good society" the judge said adding that it allowed for much needed services to be provided to the community.; The judge had adjourned the case overnight to consider the case and had remanded the doctor on continuing bail.
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