Tiësto and Afrojack’s Accountant Sentenced to Prison for Committing Tax Fraud
Frank Butselaar Orchestrated $100 Million Tax Evasion Scheme
Frank Butselaar, a 65-year-old Dutch tax consultant who previously advised internationally acclaimed DJs Tiësto and Afrojack, has been sentenced to 2.5 years in prison in New York for his involvement in a $100 million tax fraud scheme.
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Prosecutors are seeking $19.25 million in restitution, representing the tax savings he illegally generated for wealthy clients, according to Business Insider.
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From 2012 to 2018, Butselaar used offshore shell companies and trusts in Cyprus and Guernsey to conceal clients’ foreign income. By falsely naming friends and family members as beneficiaries, he enabled clients, including Tiësto and Afrojack, to evade U.S. taxes while maintaining control over their assets. Both DJs, unaware of the fraud, have not been charged and reportedly settled with the IRS for a fraction of the owed taxes.
Butselaar’s Sentence
Butselaar, a former partner at Greenberg Traurig’s Amsterdam office, initially contested the charges but ultimately pleaded guilty to aiding the filing of a false tax return. With 21 months already served in detention, he faces about six more months behind bars.
The judge has 90 days to decide on the restitution amount, although Butselaar’s legal team contends he shouldn’t be liable as he was not the taxpayer.
Financial Scandals in the Industry
This case underscores the risks of complex financial schemes within the entertainment industry. While Butselaar faces prison time for his actions, Tiësto and Afrojack’s cooperation with authorities demonstrates how artists can become unknowingly entangled in tax evasion. The case highlights the importance of transparent financial management and due diligence for high-profile entertainers.
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