Former doper becomes the latest Italian cyclist to be investigated by the Guardia di Finanza
Davide Rebellin (Miche-Guerciotti) has become the latest Italian rider to be investigated by the Italian Guardia di Finanza for possible tax evasion, according to la Gazzetta dello Sport. The 39-year-old recently returned to the sport after serving a two-year suspension for the use of CERA, the third-generation EPO, at the 2008 Olympic games in Beijing, China.
According to la Gazzetta, Rebellin is under investigation for the non-payment of as much as 7 million Euros of income tax. The case is based upon the fact that Rebellin has claimed to be a resident in the Principality of Monaco for a number of years but has, it is claimed, always lived in a large villa in Galliera Veneta, in the province of Padova, which was registered in his parents’ names.
As part of the investigation, the financial police of Padova have been interviewing local shopkeepers, who confirmed that most of his and his wife’s shopping needs were met in the Padova area. It has reportedly been confirmed by a number of local amateur cyclists that, during the years 2003 to 2008, Rebellin could regularly be seen training between the towns of Marostica and Borso del Grappa.
As well as this the investigators reportedly have a long list of local festivals that Rebellin appeared at as a guest during the same period.
Should Rebellin be found guilty of tax evasion, he could be liable to a penalty of several million Euros.