Texas tycoon Douglas Edelman faces trial for tax evasion

Douglas Edelman, a 73-year-old oil tycoon from Texas, is facing serious legal troubles. He is charged with tax evasion and conspiracy to defraud the U.S. government. The allegations include not filing tax returns for decades and submitting false information to the IRS. From the mid-1980s until 2015, Edelman allegedly did not file tax returns. After 2015, he supposedly submitted false forms that listed his income as much lower than it actually was. The Department of Justice claims he hid about $350 million in income by putting his wealth in the name of his second wife, Delphine Le Dain, a French journalist. Because of her French citizenship, she did not have to file U.S. tax returns. Le Dain is currently a fugitive in France, facing charges as well. Edelman made a significant portion of his wealth from contracts related to the U.S. military following the September 11 attacks. He secured a $7 billion deal to supply fuel and services to American forces in Afghanistan. His companies reportedly faced scrutiny for their contracts, but allegations of corruption were not proven. Edelman allegedly tried to distance himself from his businesses and assets. Court documents reveal he communicated with associates about removing his name from important documents. A whistleblower eventually reported the couple to the IRS, leading to Edelman's arrest in Ibiza. Edelman has pleaded not guilty and initially posted bail of $12.9 million but faced further custody after sending messages to co-conspirators. The couple owns luxury properties, including a ski chalet in Austria and several homes across Europe. Edelman's trial is scheduled to start in October, and he is reportedly negotiating a plea deal. Le Dain has not made a public statement and does not currently have known legal representation.