Chapter 228 Zhu Li’s past was revealed
“Everyone stand up!”
While thinking, a shout from the court staff brought everyone back to their senses, and then stood up Those who stand up and return to their seats return to their seats.
In the passage, Nicola, wearing a judge's robe, came out, came to the stage and sat down, and then announced: "This trial has begun, bring the defendant!"
< br>In the passage on the other side, Zhuli and other big names were taken out one by one by the inspectors from the Western Suburbs Bureau.
Unlike most of the defendants that David had sanctioned before, the defendants in the past were either ashen-faced or panicked when they came here.
After these big names were brought out, they not only acted calmly, but even greeted some celebrities and friends present. From this, it can be seen that they are worthy of being top performers. The management of facial expressions is indeed top-notch.
Wait for the big shots to come to the dock one by one.
Nicola on the stage looked at Julie first and asked: "The defendant, Ms. Zhuli, is now suspected of being involved in a tax evasion case. Do you know or have any impressions?"
< br>"Your Honor, I, Zhu Li, have been in the film industry for so many years, and I have never owed even one day of tax to the IRS, let alone such illegal crimes as tax evasion!"
Zhuli retorted immediately.
Her attorney Kaili this time also immediately added: "Your Honor, these are my client's tax records. They are all recorded in the book. Please take a look!"
Court personnel at the scene The information book was immediately presented to the stage, and Nicola also looked at it carefully.
About seven or eight minutes later, she closed the information book and turned to look at David in the auditorium: "Now we invite the accuser, Director David of the Western Suburbs Bureau, to come up and make a statement! "
David stood up from his seat, adjusted his suit and came to the audience, saying, "Your Honor, I want to invite my first witness!"
"Permission!"
In the passage, an old man in his 60s was brought out by the inspector of the Western Suburbs Branch and came to the witness stand.
When Zhuli saw the old man in the dock, her expression showed a hint of surprise. She always felt that she had seen this man before, but for a while she couldn’t remember where she had seen him. .
"What's wrong, Ms. Zhuli?"
As a top lawyer, Carey must always control the details of the court. When he saw something strange about his client Zhuli, he forced He had to ask cautiously.
Zhuli murmured back: "I seem to have seen this person before, but I can't remember it for a while..."
"..."
While the two were whispering here .
The old man on the witness stand spoke, and he said: "Your Honor, my name is Temple Morgan, and I used to work on a film crew!"
"A film crew?"
She said that she seemed to have seen this person there. It wouldn't be surprising if he was a member of the crew.
But then again, why did Director David bring the crew here?
For a while, Zhuli's expression became uncertain.
While thinking, Temple on the witness stand said: "Your Honor, what I want to say is far away, and it is about an incident in 1992."
Hearing Temple Most of the spectators at the scene were stunned by these words. It had been 20 years since 1992. Why did this witness go so far?
In the dock, the calm look on Zhuli's face gradually dissipated, as if she had recalled something.
"Although it is a long time ago, as long as what you say is true, you can tell it!"
Hearing Nicola's agreement, Temple nodded and continued: "In 1992 , I was a director assistant. At that time, transfers and remittances were not as convenient as they are today. Of course, there were also certain reasons, so some producers and investors preferred to use cash for transactions. At that time, I was working for a famous company. For the crew of [The Shadowless Terminator], one of the producers used cash to trade..."
Hearing this, Zhuli seemed to think of something, and something flashed in her pupils. A trace of undetectable solemnity.
Kaili, who was on the side, naturally felt that something was not right. He immediately interrupted: "Your Honor, I protest against the witness speaking at such a long length about things that have nothing to do with this case, and it is so long ago. Even if it is It’s true, but there’s no way to verify it, so it’s of little reference value!”
"Lawyer Carey, didn't you hear the witness say that the transaction at that time was conducted in cash? You also know that when it comes to transactions involving cash, it is particularly important whether the taxes have been paid, and [The End of the Shadowless Ending] Author] This movie is co-starred by your client, Ms. Zhu Li, which is by no means irrelevant to this case!”
Of course David would not just watch him play, and he also stood up to refute.
“Since [The Shadowless Terminator] involves Ms. Zhuli’s participation, it cannot be considered irrelevant to this case. Witness, please continue talking!”
Nicole on the stage La also dismissed Kaili's protest. Although Kaili was unwilling, he could only grit his teeth and shut his mouth.
“Yes, Your Honor!”
Temple collected his thoughts and continued: "Director David also said just now that [The Shadowless Terminator] involves Ms. Zhuli. This is indeed true. Ms. Zhuli not only served as the heroine in this movie, but also At the same time, this was also the first movie she participated in in her career! "
"What happened at the time was that the producer brought a sum of money to the crew, about 1 million US dollars, and he used this money. Funds, come and pay us wages and bonuses!”
At this point, the context has gradually become clear.
That was the movie "Terminator". The producer at that time used cash to make transactions with the crew.
In that era when supervision and laws were not perfect, and it was still in the film and television industry, it can be said that you basically understood everything, and it was very likely that it was involved in money laundering and tax evasion!
It's just something that makes everyone feel a little incredible.
That was 1992, 20 years ago. How dare David find out about something so far back?
Even if the matter is true, it is too long ago. Is it really possible to find the evidence that convicts?
And relying solely on the testimony of this witness is definitely not enough!
“In other words, the wages and bonuses paid to you by this fund have not gone through the tax system of the IRS?”
This testimony alone was not enough to convict Zhuli of tax evasion, so Nicola on the stage continued to ask questions.
“No sir, [Terminator] is a movie that is going to theaters after all. How could it escape supervision? As far as I know, the money was indeed taxed, but it has nothing to do with it. There are some discrepancies in the taxes we reported, and it seems that there are some errors!"
As soon as Temple said this, there was an uproar at the scene.
If we really follow what Charles said and it is true, then Zhuli may really be suspected of tax evasion.
"Your Honor, I refute!"
Carey couldn't sit still. He stood up and retorted: "In our tax records, you can see that the tax for the movie [Terminator] is very detailed. I don't understand this Mr. Temple." Where does the reason for paying less come from? Is it just one side of your story? "
"And it's been a long time, can you guarantee that there are no discrepancies in what you remember? I just want to gain fame or for some reason, I want to slap my client randomly!”
Kyry’s words are quite reasonable. In the movie “Terminator,” the taxation The record is indeed in the books.
As long as it is recorded, it proves that Zhuli has indeed paid taxes.
As for the underpayment that Temple said, where does the basis come from?
Or do you think you should pay less if you say you pay less?
"Your Honor, I did not blame you randomly. You can see my tax records. For the movie "Terminator," I personally received a salary bonus of 6,000 US dollars. According to the tax rate, then I have to pay about $600 in taxes, but you will know if you check it. There is only $300 in my record. Where did the other $300 go? "
Temple stood up to defend himself again.
But Carey seemed to have grasped the key point at this time, and suddenly asked: "Wait a minute, Mr. Temple, you mean you received a salary and bonus of 6,000 US dollars, of which only 300 US dollars were paid. Do you admit that you evaded $300 in taxes?"
"This...is indeed an evasion, but this matter has nothing to do with me..."
Before Temple could continue, Carey interrupted directly. “Your Honor, you see that Mr. Temple has voluntarily admitted to tax evasion, which proves that he is a tax evader. I think you should try him first. And do you think the testimony of a tax evader can be accepted? ”
I have to say. Carey's ability to become America's top lawyer depends on his skills, and his ability to change topics is even more remarkable.
In an instant, Temple, who was originally a witness, was labeled as a prisoner.
In this case, there is a legal reason why the testimony of the other party cannot be accepted.
Carey's words shocked Temple. After all, he was just an ordinary person. In such a high-profile court, how could he withstand the offensive pressure of such a top lawyer.
The same was true for Nicola on the stage, because Kaili’s question was legally justified. Of course, she couldn’t forcefully reject it in front of so many people. In the end, she could only turn her eyes Cast on David.
However, David did not panic. He was well prepared and said calmly: "Your Honor, even if Mr. Temple evaded taxes, his testimony may not be inadmissible, just like in some criminal cases. , after the prisoner turns into a tainted witness, can’t what he said cannot be accepted?”
At this time, Nicola on the stage was awakened, because David’s answer was also legal. Stopping, she immediately turned to look at Carey and said: "Lawyer Carey, what Director David said makes sense. Even if Mr. Temple is involved in tax evasion, that is a matter between him and our IRS, and Ms. Zhuli’s case is not related this time, and his testimony this time can be regarded as a sign of tainting the witness!”
Kaili’s face sank slightly, and then defended: “Judge. Your Excellency, I still say the same thing. Twenty years have passed since that time. It is too long ago. The testimony of the witness alone is not convincing enough, unless he has substantive evidence!"
< br>
What Kaili said was not a quibble.
If a tax evasion case that occurred nearly twenty years ago could be convicted based on just one witness at the time, it would indeed be unconvincing.
Who knows if the witness remembered it correctly?
Who can prove that the witness remembered correctly?
Kyrie's defense was also supported by many celebrities present. It is ridiculous to convict an international superstar based on the testimony of just one witness!
Of course Nicola at the scene knew very well that the witness testimony at this stage still could not convict Zhuli of tax evasion, so she could only look at David again.
"Your Honor, Lawyer Carey's rebuttal does make some sense..."
Everyone at the scene was a little confused by David's words.
Co-author Didn’t your Western Suburbs Branch want to accuse Zhuli of tax evasion, and now you actually say that her lawyer’s words are reasonable?
Are you rebelling in court?
But before everyone could figure it out.
The next words David said made them suddenly realize, but they were also surprised. .
David said: "But your honor, since Attorney Carey has denied Mr. Temple's testimony, it doesn't matter. We can just ask another witness at the time to speak out!"
"There are witnesses..."
These words caused shock in the auditorium again.
Kaili here frowned and cast doubtful and slightly dissatisfied eyes on Zhuli aside.
At this time, Zhuli's face was not much better than Kaili's. She seemed to have completely remembered what happened at that time, but she still said nothing.
Under the watchful eyes of everyone present, another witness in the passage was brought to the witness stand by the inspector from the Western Suburbs Branch.
"Your Honor, my name is Parker Mitchell. In 1992, I served as the acting assistant director of "Terminator"!"
After coming to the witness box, this witness Introduced himself.
Nicola on the stage immediately replied: "Okay Mr. Parker, do you have anything to say?"
"Yes."
Parker first glanced at David , then turned to look at Zhuli, and asked: "Ms. Zhuli, do you still remember me?"
Zhuli's eyes flickered a little, and she replied: "[The End of Shadowlessness] "It happened 20 years ago, I'm sorry, I don't really recognize it."
No one thought there was a problem with her words, after all, it happened 20 years ago, and this so-called witness He was just an actor and assistant director. How could a big shot like Zhuli still remember him?
"It doesn't matter if you don't remember, but I still remember you, Ms. Zhuli."
Parker withdrew his gaze, turned to Nicola on the stage and said: "Your Honor, what I want to say is, actually The 1992 movie "The Shadowless Terminator" was actually used for money laundering from top to bottom!"
Parker's words were groundbreaking and made many people in the auditorium feel numb.
If, as Parker said, this film is used to launder money, it will not only involve tax evasion cases, but also judicial cases.
As the heroine who participated in the film, Zhuli will not say whether this incident has anything to do with her, but an internationally renowned debut film has turned into a money laundering film, and the scandal is inevitable.
"Your Honor, I seriously object to the testimony of the witness. The witness is just an actor and assistant director. How could he know that this movie was involved in money laundering? This kind of illogical slander is really ridiculous!"
Carey Of course, we couldn't let the situation continue to develop, so we stood up to defend ourselves with righteous indignation.
Parker was not to be outdone and said loudly: "What slander? Don't talk about this matter to me. Many people on the crew knew about it at that time. After all, no producer would come with large sums of cash all day long. The crew is on site, for fear that the money will not be used up..."
"Wait..."
Before Parker could finish speaking, Carey interrupted and asked: "What if This movie is involved in money laundering, so why did Temple say before that you underreported half of your taxes? Why don’t you report more? "
"Let me answer this question for you, Lawyer Carey."
This time it was David's turn to speak up. He continued: "Because based on the price comparison in 1992, the actual salary given at that time was It is already twice that of the market, so half of the tax must be reported less, otherwise it will trigger an investigation. However, these expenses can be declared together with the total cost of the film after the filming is completed. This is why many criminals like to take advantage of The reason why movies come to launder money!”
After David’s explanation, Carey was silent for a while.
While the people watching the scene were suddenly enlightened, they also fell into a thoughtful state.
“Okay, even if this movie involves money laundering, my client, who was just a fledgling actor at the time, didn’t know this. Isn’t this normal?”
Kaili decided not to be entangled in the issue of money laundering or not. As long as Zhuli didn't know about it, the IRS still couldn't convict her according to the fact that those who don't know are not guilty.
"No, Ms. Zhuli not only knew about it, I even have reason to think that he participated!"
"Protest, Your Honor! The witness is slandering!"
"Whether it's slander or not, doesn't Ms. Zhuli know best? After all, the producer at that time was quite willing to spend money on Ms. Zhuli..."
"Ahem!"< br>
David interrupted the slightly agitated Parker with a cough. According to his original intention, he wanted to take Zhu Li and others to court, get some fines, and then implicate the eight major Hollywood film companies. I don’t really mean to have a bitter feud with these big names.
But now Parker is getting more and more angry, which obviously conflicts with the results he wants.
At this time, Parker also realized that he had made a mistake under the pressure of the other party's lawyer, and quickly cast an apologetic look at David.
But no matter what, Parker's words still made many people in the gallery feel dumbfounded.
The producer is willing to spend money on Zhuli?
The amount of information in this sentence is really too much.
Doesn’t that mean that when Zhuli first debuted, she was involved in some unspoken transactions?
Although in the film and television industry, this is a completely normal thing.
But now Zhuli is an international first-line movie star, and she is still in the court with countless people watching. How can she get off the stage?
(End of this chapter)