Donald Trump’s real estate company has been found guilty of running a criminal scheme to defraud tax authorities for more than 15 years.

The scheme operated by the Trump Organization included avoiding paying personal income taxes on perks such as rent-free apartments and luxury cars.

The firm, which operates hotels, golf courses and other real estate around the world had pleaded not guilty.

The former US president was not personally charged in the case.

The Trump Organization had argued that chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg ran the scheme to benefit himself.

He is on paid leave and testified that he received more than $1m in salary and bonus payments this year.

The firm will be sentenced on 13 January.