Star Chef Alfons Schuhbeck Faces New Trial for Fraud Allegations

München - Alfons Schuhbeck, the renowned star chef, is set to appear in court once again, facing serious allegations including subsidy fraud. The trial is scheduled to commence on June 24, as confirmed by the Munich District Court I.

Schuhbeck, who was long celebrated as the 'King of Munich's Platzl' and operated two prestigious restaurants there, saw his flourishing career come to a halt following his incarceration.

The legal proceedings stem from a 124-page indictment filed by the public prosecutor's office in October of the previous year, which has been largely approved for the main hearing. The trial is expected to span four days, with a verdict anticipated by July 14.

Among the charges against Schuhbeck are nine counts of delaying insolvency, four counts of fraud, five counts of attempted fraud, and 19 counts of subsidy fraud. His legal representatives have indicated that he will contest these allegations vigorously.

In October 2022, Schuhbeck was previously convicted of tax evasion amounting to millions of euros, leading to a prison sentence. His attorneys, Norbert Scharf and Joachim Eckert, have stated that Schuhbeck intends to defend himself against the current charges. Lawyer Nicolas Stieger remarked that the earlier-than-expected trial date in June provides clarity for Schuhbeck, allowing him to prepare adequately for his defense.

Alfons Schuhbeck is accused of improperly obtaining state aid totaling approximately EUR460,000. Additionally, he allegedly failed to pay around EUR260,000 in contributions to statutory health insurance and did not meet deadlines for payments totaling approximately EUR700,000.

While there were accusations that Schuhbeck withheld and misappropriated wages in numerous instances, these specific charges were dropped at the request of the prosecution, likely due to the anticipated conviction in the other matters.

Currently serving his sentence for tax evasion, Schuhbeck was incarcerated starting in August 2023. Initially housed at the Landsberg prison, he has since been transferred to the more open facility in Rothenfeld bei Andechs after six months.