Brazil’s Federal Prosecutor’s Office claimed Joseph Safra knew of a 2014 plan by Banco Safra executives to pay 15.3 million reals to tax auditors to reduce or annul fines on unpaid taxes.
Also charged was former bank executive Joao Inacio Puga who allegedly negotiated the bribe-payment scheme.
Prosecutors added Safra was not directly involved in the bribery negotiations, but taped conversations showed Puga reported to him on the talks.
The Safra Group, Safra’s investment holding company, said in a statement the charges were unfounded.
‘There have not been any improprieties by any of the businesses of The Safra Group,’ it said.
‘No representative of the group offered any inducement to any public official and the group did not receive any benefit in the judgment of the tribunal.’
The banker’s fortune is estimated at about $18 billion (£12.6b) by Forbes Magazine.
He also owns the Gherkin tower in London.
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