Finnish Prosecutors Seek Prison Sentence for Aleksib Over Tax Fraud

Finnish prosecutors have requested a four-month suspended prison sentence for Aleksi "Aleksib" Virolainen, captain of Natus Vincere (NAVI) in Counter-Strike 2. The 29-year-old faces an aggravated tax fraud charge over allegations that he failed to declare more than €53,000 in income from Valve. The request is not a conviction, and the court has yet to issue a verdict.

According to Finnish newspaper Iltalehti, prosecutors presented their case at a hearing on Friday, October 16, at the Eastern Uusimaa District Court. They allege that the omission reduced Aleksib's tax bill by more than €28,000.

Tax Case Centers on CS:GO Sticker Revenue

The income in question allegedly came from the sale of Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) stickers, in-game items sold by Valve around Majors that generate revenue for players and teams. The payments concerned earnings from 2019, when Aleksib was still playing for ENCE.

According to the prosecution, Aleksib failed to amend his pre-filled 2019 tax return to include the money received from the developer. The alleged offense took place between May 19 and September 22, 2020, in Vantaa, Finland. By then, Aleksib had already joined OG.

Prosecutors argue that the omission was intended to secure a substantial financial benefit, leading to the aggravated tax fraud charge. The figures refer to two different amounts: more than €53,000 in allegedly undeclared income and over €28,000 in taxes that prosecutors claim went unpaid.

What Has Aleksib's Defense Said?

Aleksib does not dispute that the payments were omitted from his tax return, but denies deliberately trying to evade taxes. According to his defense, he did not realize that income from in-game sticker sales needed to be reported separately.

His lawyers argue that Aleksib, who was 22 at the time, believed his tax obligations were already covered because taxes were withheld from his regular salary. This challenges the prosecution's claim that he deliberately sought a financial benefit.

Could Aleksib Go to Prison?

Prosecutors are seeking a four-month suspended prison sentence. If the court grants the request, Aleksib would not immediately serve time behind bars, provided he complies with the applicable legal conditions. The court has not yet ruled on the case.

The case first became public in March 2026, when reports of the charges emerged. Following the October hearing, the Eastern Uusimaa District Court is expected to deliver a verdict, although no date has been announced.

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Featured image credit: Stephanie Lindgren/BLAST.tv

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