Courts / Dublin / Report

Chinese restaurateur kept "secret" Cantonese accounts ledger

Date
2016-07-11
Stage
Sentence
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

Jonathan Cheung, 52, a former Chinese restaurateur, pleaded guilty in Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to filing incorrect VAT and P35 returns for 2007‑2009. He owed €156,930 in VAT and €179,584 in PAYE/PRSI liabilities. Cheung had a "secret" red ledger in Cantonese that recorded actual sales, which differed from the figures reported to Revenue, leading to substantial under‑declaration. Revenue's investigation began in 2011, revealing total tax due of €336,514 at liquidation. The High Court ordered Cheung and a co‑accused personally liable for €1.9 million of company debts and barred them from directorship for seven years. Cheung cooperated fully, made restitution, and provided an apology letter. Judge Karen O'Connor imposed a two‑and‑a‑half‑year sentence, suspended in full on the condition of continued restitution.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Chinese restaurateur kept "secret" Cantonese accounts ledger. Charges or matters: making incorrect VAT and P35 returns to the Office of the Collector General for dates between 2007 and 2009. Procedural stage: sentence

When:

Case subjects

Jonathan Cheung

Defendant

Charges: making incorrect VAT and P35 returns to the Office of the Collector General for dates between 2007 and 2009 (Admitted)

Plea: Guilty

Outcome: She imposed a two and a half year sentence which she suspended in full on the basis that he continue to make restitution.

Places mentioned

Residence
Court Venue
  • Dublin
  • Dublin Circuit Criminal Court
  • High Court
Address Area
  • Dame Street
Secondary Mention

Topics

Stage Sentence

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