Did Engoron actually use the fact that tax appraisals are lower than any sane owner would sell for? Tax appraisals are meant to encourage business. For example, if a wealthy dentist claims depreciation on his office equipment for taxes, that is normal, but if his wife sues for divorce, he can’t claim that “depreciated” number in the divorce settlement. But I don’t believe that is not what Trump did. Only in NY would they try to argue that the selling price is comparable to the tax assessment.
That’s exactly what he did. The “fraud” led to the nearly half a billion dollar fine. The bond was lowered to $175 million. Essentially put your political opponents out of business and jail them. Banana republic Dems in action.