Tax Scam Investigations Target Prominent Personalities in North Rhine-Westphalia - Investigation Reveals Alleged Millions in Tax Evasion by Influencer in North Rhine-Westphalia
In North Rhine-Westphalia, a significant investigation is underway, with the North Rhine-Westphalia Financial and Economic Crime Office taking the lead. The operation, based in Düsseldorf, is a state-wide probe focusing on tax evasion by influencers.
The investigation is not limited to the cases from a specific data package, which contains approximately 6,000 datasets suggesting undeclared profits. Investigators are delving into various income sources on social networks, ranging from click-based payments to subscription fees and advertising collaborations.
Stephanie Thien, the head of the authority, has stated that there are individuals among the large social media profiles actively trying to evade tax obligations with high criminal energy. It is not uncommon for influencers to earn tens of thousands of euros per month but not have a tax ID.
The potential tax evasion amounts to around 300 million euros, according to the authority. The investigation is not limited to a specific network or platform, and collaborations with digital platforms like TikTok or Instagram for transparency on paid promotions are part of the process.
Currently, the cases from the data package are not yet included in the 200 ongoing criminal proceedings against influencers living in North Rhine-Westphalia. However, it is worth noting that the investigation is ongoing, and the focus remains on influencers residing in the state.
As for the sources and methods of such investigations, tax authorities and law enforcement typically use financial audits and data analysis of influencer income and expense claims, monitor social media earnings and sponsorship transactions, cross-reference declared tax returns with banking and payment platforms, and collaborate with digital platforms for transparency on paid promotions. In some cases, whistleblower tips or public reporting may trigger detailed inquiries.
While there is limited publicly available information on specific investigations into tax evasion by influencers in North Rhine-Westphalia as of mid-2025, official releases from the North Rhine-Westphalia tax authority or financial crime units may provide more insights as investigations progress.
- The ongoing investigation in North Rhine-Westphalia, centering on tax evasion by influencers, is not confined to a particular employment policy but extends to various income sources on social networks, including click-based payments, subscription fees, and advertising collaborations.
- The investigation into tax evasion by influencers in EC countries, such as North Rhine-Westphalia, is not just a matter of business or general-news, but also involves crime-and-justice as the potential tax evasion amounts to around 300 million euros.
