Isabelle Adjani convicted of tax fraud: sentence reduced on appeal
French actress Isabelle Adjani has been convicted on appeal for aggravated tax fraud and money laundering. The sentence has been substantially reduced compared to the first ruling.
Isabelle Adjani convicted of tax fraud: sentence reduced on appeal
French actress Isabelle Adjani (71) has been convicted by the Paris Court of Appeal on Wednesday for aggravated tax fraud and money laundering. The court imposed a sentence of ten months in prison with probation and a fine of €10,000.
The verdict marks a clear softening compared to the decision handed down at first instance in 2023, which called for two years in prison with probation and a financial penalty of €250,000. The actress's counsel welcomed the sentence reduction, describing it as an "extremely relieving" decision. However, they announced their intention to take the case to the Court of Cassation.
The judges determined that Adjani had transferred her tax residence to Portugal irregularly during a given period. The court also found that she had concealed a donation of two million euros from a close person by disguising it as a loan. Additionally, she allegedly transferred approximately €120,000 from an offshore company via an undeclared American account to Portugal.
At her hearing in April, the actress claimed she had been deceived by a tax adviser. She presented herself as an easy prey suffering from administrative phobia. "Frankly, I have never completed a tax return. And that's just as well, because it would have been catastrophic," she told the judges, strongly refuting the accusation that she was a "thief".
The French tax authorities maintained that Adjani's centre of life remained in France, requiring her to pay taxes there. In 2016 and 2017, the artist had officially established her residence in Portugal. The magazine "Paris Match" subsequently published a feature at her home with photographs of her apartment. At the time, she claimed to stay with friends or in hotels when visiting Paris.
Isabelle Adjani is one of the greatest figures in French cinema. She has won the César award five times for best supporting actress, notably for "Camille Claudel", "La Reine Margot" and "Pédale douce".
Source: BILD