The captain of the Ukrainian Counter-Strike 2 esports team Natus Vincere (NAVI), Finnish player Alexi «Aleksib» Virolainen, could face a four-month suspended prison sentence in a tax fraud case. The Finnish Public Prosecutor’s Office accuses the 29-year-old esports player of failing to declare over 53,000 euros in income received from the American company Valve Corporation in 2019. As a result, according to the prosecution, tax was underpaid by more than 28,000 euros. The player himself admits to failing to declare the funds but denies intentionally evading tax.
- The Finnish Public Prosecutor’s Office is seeking a four-month suspended prison sentence for Aleksib.
- The case concerns more than 53,000 euros in revenue from Valve for 2019.
- According to the investigation, the tax liability was understated by more than 28,000 euros.
- The player admits to failing to declare the funds, but denies any intent.
What is the NAVI captain accused of?
According to the Finnish newspaper Iltalehti, on 16 October 2026, the Eastern Uusimaa District Court heard the charges against Alexi Virolainen. The prosecution alleges that between 19 May and 22 September 2020, the esports player failed to declare part of his 2019 income to the Finnish Tax Administration.
These are payments from Valve Corporation — an American company that develops Counter-Strike and operates a system for selling in-game items.
According to the prosecution’s case, the player failed to provide the necessary information to amend his pre-completed tax return. As a result, the prosecution alleges that, taxable income was understated by more than 53,000 euros, whilst the tax assessed amounted to more than 28,000 euros.
The prosecution believes that the esports player’s actions were aimed at securing a substantial financial gain, and therefore classifies them as tax fraud with aggravating circumstances.
Revenue from Counter-Strike stickers has led to legal proceedings
Defence Virolaïna He explains that he received the undeclared funds from the sale of in-game items, known as ‘stickers’, in Counter-Strike. Such items are released ahead of major esports tournaments in the Major series. Players and teams whose names and logos appear on the stickers receive a share of the revenue from their sale.
In 2019, Aleksib played for the Finnish team ENCE, with whom he took part in the StarLadder Major Berlin. The team reached the quarter-finals of the tournament.
What Aleksib said in his defence
Virolainen does not deny that more than 53,000 euros were not declared in his tax return. However, he does not agree with the prosecution’s allegation that he deliberately concealed his income.
According to the defence, the esports player was 22 years old at the time he received the money. He did not understand the specifics of how additional income from the sale of in-game items was taxed. The lawyers emphasise that tax had already been automatically deducted from the player’s basic salary. Consequently, he believed that all necessary payments had been made.
Is the NAVI captain facing a real prison sentence?
The prosecution is asking the court to sentence Alexi Virolainen to a four-month suspended prison sentence. This does not mean that the esports player has already been sentenced or will necessarily go to prison.
A suspended sentence in Finland does not, as a rule, involve actual imprisonment, provided that the convicted person complies with the conditions laid down by law during the probation period. The final decision will depend on the court’s assessment of the evidence.
Who is Aleksib and what is he known for?
Alexi Virolainen — a Finnish professional esports player who competes under the nickname Aleksib. He is the captain of the Ukrainian organisation NAVI’s Counter-Strike 2 squad.
During his career, the player has represented ENCE, OG, G2 Esports and Ninjas in Pyjamas.
In June 2023, he joined NAVI, and by March 2024 he had led the team to victory at the PGL Major Copenhagen 2024 — the first Major tournament in the history of Counter-Strike 2.
The tax case concerns income received long before he joined the Ukrainian organisation. The case is still ongoing. No date has yet been set for the announcement of the court’s final decision.
