Counter-Strike Pro Aleksib Faces Potential Suspended Sentence Over Tax Dispute

Finnish Counter-Strike player Aleksi 'Aleksib' Virolainen is currently confronting legal action in Finland, where prosecutors are pursuing a four-month suspended prison sentence over accusations of aggravated tax fraud. The case centers on an alleged failure to report earnings generated from digital weapon stickers sold around Valve tournament appearances.

According to court proceedings at the Eastern Uusimaa District Court, prosecutors state that Virolainen omitted approximately €53,000 in Valve-derived revenue from his 2020 tax filings, leaving an estimated €28,000 in unpaid taxes. The defense argued that Virolainen, who was 22 years old during the timeframe in question, believed his taxes were already settled through normal deductions and lacked clear knowledge regarding how to declare the specific sticker revenue.

Virolainen has pleaded not guilty to the formal charges, and the district court has yet to deliver a final ruling. Now competing under the Natus Vincere banner, the esports professional previously earned sticker profits while representing ENCE across major events such as the IEM Katowice 2019 Major.