“I have not evaded taxes, I have never been asked to explain myself,” he says
Popular Greek singer Antonis Remos has found himself at the centre of a 1.5 million euro tax evasion and money laundering investigation. The Anti-Money Laundering Authority has frozen the singer’s movable and immovable property, bank accounts, boats and bank accounts after a month-long investigation.
Statement by Antonis Remos
Antonis Remos, through his lawyers Stathis Bakalis and Michalis Dimitrakopoulos, expressed his regret and surprise at the developments, stating that he has never committed tax evasion and has not been asked to explain himself:
“It is with regret and justifiable surprise that I have been informed that the Anti-Money Laundering Authority has frozen all my movable and immovable assets on the grounds that I may have committed the offence of tax evasion. My regret stems from the fact that a secret procedure has been illegally leaked to the media, thus exposing me, and my surprise stems from the fact that I have never been asked by the above-mentioned authority to explain myself and to provide evidence to prove that I have never committed tax evasion. I look forward to receiving a summons immediately to find out what is being attributed to me so that I can shake off any accusation against me.
Conclusion of the Anti-Money Laundering Authority
The Authority’s conclusion raises serious suspicions of tax evasion and money laundering to the tune of €1.5 million by a company owned by the singer. The Authority’s investigation revealed that Remos had made a low number of tax declarations, with a recorded income of around €50,000 per year over the last five years, which was considered particularly low for an artist of his stature.
The authority’s investigation revealed that the singer’s tax evasion did not come from the entertainment and dance floor, but from a company he owned. After a month-long investigation, the authority froze the singer’s movable and immovable property, personal accounts, accounts of the company in question, boats and bank accounts – if found – up to €1.5 million.
The case has been referred to the Financial Prosecutor’s Office for investigation. It has been reported that the prosecutor’s investigation will not be limited to the singer alone, but will also extend to his associates.
