The trial against Alfons Schuhbeck (73) for tax evasion in the millions began on Wednesday morning (October 5th) at the Munich I Regional Court. To begin with, the very serious-looking celebrity chef appeared in the courtroom in a white shirt and dark blue jacket with a brown handkerchief.

"The indictment will be read out in these minutes - 17 pages. Schuhbeck seems extremely upset and sunk. Endures the reading without batting an eyelid," reported RTL reporter Jasmin Raziorrouh, who followed the trial on site.

Schuhbeck has been charged with 25 cases of tax evasion and attempted tax evasion, as the Munich Regional Court announced on August 22. A co-defendant employee is charged with aiding and abetting tax evasion and attempted tax evasion.

For the so-called "ginger" trial - named after one of the cook's favorite ingredients - the court has scheduled 18 main hearing dates. The district court had already admitted the charges in early August. At the end of June 2019 it became known for the first time that the star chef was being investigated.

Schuhbeck is one of Germany's best-known chefs. Among other things, he runs three restaurants, an ice cream parlor, spice shops and a catering service in the heart of the state capital.