Former NHLer Faces Serious Legal Consequences in His Home Country
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Wade Messier
January 10, 2024 (10:02)
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Photo credit: Oilers Nation
Former NHL defenseman Janne Niinimaa is facing some serious legal troubles in his native country, Finland.
Niinimaa Facing Tax Fraud Charges
According to a recent report, Niinimaa is facing a charge of 'aggravated tax fraud' in the Finnish court system. Helsinki prosecutors allege that Niiminaa didn't pay any taxes in 2019, and claim he owes around 55,000 Euros, which is equivalent to a little over $60,000 USD.
For this charge, prosecutors are recommending a five-year suspended prison sentence for Niinimaa.
Egregious tax evasion, damn what a jerk. Janne Niinimaa in the district court - this is what he is accused of
In the NHL
Niinimaa played 741 games in the NHL, appearing in matches for five different teams across both Canada and the United States. Over his ten years in the NHL, Niinimaa accrued 319 points from the backend, also amassing 733 penalty minutes along the way.
Following his departure from the NHL, Niinimaa played in Switzerland, Sweden, and Finland before calling it a career.
Niinimaa was a fan favorite for many, which makes this charge a difficult one for many to hear.