'Soup Nazi' company's Chief Financial Officer facing tax evasion charges

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Tuesday, May 23, 2017
(Bebeto Matthews)
AP-AP

DOWNTOWN BROOKLYN, Brooklyn (WABC) -- 'No taxes for you!'?

The company representing the real-life chef who inspired the hit 'Seinfeld' character known as the 'Soup Nazi; is now in hot water with the CFO accused of cooking the books.

In a 20-count indictment Tuesday, prosecutors allege 62-year-old Robert Bertrand evaded paying Medicare, Social Security and Federal income taxes for Soupman Inc., employees between 2010 and 2014. Instead of allegedly paying workers cash under the table while the company reportedly pocketed more than $2.8 million.

Outside Brooklyn Federal Court, Bertrand dodged questions from reporters. Released on $50,000 bond.

On the company's website, Bertrand is credited with 33 years of experience in financial operations. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison.