RCI Hospitality (US:RICK) Benzinga·2025-09-16 20:14Core Viewpoint - RCI Hospitality Holdings Inc is facing a 79-count indictment related to an alleged multimillion-dollar tax fraud and bribery scheme involving the company, its executives, and its Manhattan strip clubs [1][4]. Summary by Sections Allegations and Charges - From 2010 to 2024, RCI executives allegedly bribed a New York state tax auditor to evade over $8 million in sales taxes, using cash, free trips, and entertainment at company-owned clubs, falsely recorded as "promotional" expenses [2]. - The company is accused of failing to pay sales tax on its in-house currency, "Dance Dollars" [2]. - Key executives indicted include CEO Eric Langan and CFO Bradley Chhay, facing charges of conspiracy, bribery, and criminal tax fraud [3]. Investigation Findings - The investigation revealed that Langan personally supervised negotiations with the auditor and approved bribe payments [3]. - The auditor reportedly received at least 13 complimentary trips to Florida, with payments of up to $5,000 per day for private dances at RCI clubs [3]. Impact on Stock - Following the indictment news, RICK shares closed down 15.94% at $28.79, with a 52-week high of $61.66 and a low of $28.00 [5].