In a sign that Spanish authorities are finally starting to get firm with tax evaders and fraudsters, tax officials have revealed that they are investigating the world’s most famous professional footballer, Lionel Messi.
The Spanish tax officials are investigating both the footballer and his father for allegedly defrauding the state of more than €4 million or £3.4 million. Lionel Messi and his father, Jorge is suspected of filing fraudulent tax returns for the years 2007-2009.
Messi who is currently the world player of the year signed an extended contract with Barcelona earlier this year. The player’s salary which is heavily driven by incentives is understood to be worth around at least €11 million a year.
A Spanish state prosecutor based in Catalonia lodged the complaint, signed by prosecutor Raquel Amado. It has been submitted for trial at the courthouse in Gava, the Barcelona district where the Argentina and Barcelona striker lives.
A judge at the courthouse must accept the prosecutor’s lawsuit before charges can be brought against Messi and his father.
Mesi is just the latest high profile figure to be investigated by Spanish tax officials. In May Spanish Princess, Cristina came under investigation after she had earlier been charged of being an accomplice in an embezzlement case against her husband.
Examining Magistrate Jose Castro said he has asked the tax agency for information to determine whether Cristina, daughter of Spain’s King Juan Carlos, engaged in tax evasion or money laundering between 2007 and 2010.
The embezzlement case deepened public discontent with the royal family at a time when ordinary Spaniards are struggling with 27% unemployment and a long-running recession. At the start of the year even Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy was caught up in a money scandal.
Current Euro (EUR) Exchange Rates
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(Correct as of 15:25 pm GMT)
