Controversial French performer Dieudonné is to face trial for tax evasion and other crimes, after being accused of concealing over €1 million (US$1.2 million) in earnings from his shows.
A source close to the investigation told the AFP news agency that the comedian, who has previously been convicted of anti-Semitism and other offences, will now appear on charges of tax evasion, money laundering connected to tax evasion and fraudulent declaration of bankruptcy.
Under his full name of Dieudonné M'Bala M'Bala, he and his partner, Noémie Montagne, will also be charged with the misuse of company assets in relation to their company, Productions de la Plume. The organisation and its managers will all face charges of sales tax fraud.
According to Radio France Internationale, investigators have found €1.45 million (US$1.72 million) that was hidden from the tax authorities between 2009 and 2014, at a time when Dieudonné claimed to be insolvent. In a raid, police seized envelopes stuffed with notes amounting to €657,220 (US$780,173).
Dieudonné is also believed to have smuggled €670,000 (US$795,347) out of the country, mainly to his father's country of origin, Cameroon.
The accusations arise from suspicions that he falsely declared bankruptcy to avoid paying some €65,000 (US$77,160) in fines awarded in various court cases, principally over accusations of incitement to racial hatred, Holocaust denial and promoting terrorism.
Emma Woollacott is a freelance business journalist. Her work has appeared in a wide range of publications, including the Guardian, the Times, Forbes and the BBC.
Controversial French performer Dieudonné is to face trial for tax evasion and other crimes, after being accused of concealing over €1 million (US$1.2 million) in earnings from his shows.
A source close to the investigation told the AFP news agency that the comedian, who has previously been convicted of anti-Semitism and other offences, will now appear on charges of tax evasion, money laundering connected to tax evasion and fraudulent declaration of bankruptcy.
Under his full name of Dieudonné M'Bala M'Bala, he and his partner, Noémie Montagne, will also be charged with the misuse of company assets in relation to their company, Productions de la Plume. The organisation and its managers will all face charges of sales tax fraud.
According to Radio France Internationale, investigators have found €1.45 million (US$1.72 million) that was hidden from the tax authorities between 2009 and 2014, at a time when Dieudonné claimed to be insolvent. In a raid, police seized envelopes stuffed with notes amounting to €657,220 (US$780,173).
Dieudonné is also believed to have smuggled €670,000 (US$795,347) out of the country, mainly to his father's country of origin, Cameroon.
The accusations arise from suspicions that he falsely declared bankruptcy to avoid paying some €65,000 (US$77,160) in fines awarded in various court cases, principally over accusations of incitement to racial hatred, Holocaust denial and promoting terrorism.
Emma Woollacott is a freelance business journalist. Her work has appeared in a wide range of publications, including the Guardian, the Times, Forbes and the BBC.
