Report: Cristiano Ronaldo Faces Tax Fraud Charges
Uh-oh. Sounds like the soccer superstar is in some hot water with the Spanish government.
TMZ reports that Cristiano Ronaldo has been charged with committing tax fraud. Officials have reportedly filed a complaint against the athlete, alleging that he failed to pay over $16 million between 2011 and 2014.
But reports imply that Ronaldo didn't just fail to pay up—he may have strategically hid his income from the government. TMZ reports that officials believe the 32-year-old set up shell companies in the Virgin Islands in an effort to "screen" his earnings from Spain's tax office.
If convicted, Ronaldo could face up to five years behind bars.
According to BBC News, Ronaldo told a Radio Television Portuguesa journalist, "Quien no debe no teme," which roughly translates to "He who has nothing to hide has no fear." So apparently, Ronaldo has no qualms regarding a potential investigation.