Trump liable for fraud, judge finds in New York civil case

Former US president Donald Trump has committed fraud by misrepresenting his wealth by hundreds of millions of dollars on multiple occasions, according to a New York judge. 

The judge ruled, as part of a civil case brought against Trump and his family business, said he defrauded banks and insurers for years.

It’s a major blow for Trump, who’s running for president in the 2024 election, as it’s set to make it harder for him to do business in New York. 

It will also make it easier for prosecutors to establish damages. 

Trump and the other defendants say that they have never committed fraud. 

New York Attorney General Letitia James sued Trump last September, accusing him, his two adult sons and the Trump Organization of inflating the value of their properties by more than $2bn to suit the needs of their business. 

She says the defendants issued false records and financial statements in order to get better term on loans and insurance deals, and to pay less tax.