Jorge Lorenzo has categorically denied allegations made by Spanish media that he is involved in a tax avoidance scheme currently under investigation by tax authorities in his native country.
The El Confidencial website claimed yesterday that Lorenzo was being investigated after being linked to an investigation known in Spain as the Charisma Papers, a scheme to funnel money out of the country and into offshore accounts.
Lorenzo today posted a statement ‘categorically denying’ the claims – and suggesting that he is taking legal action against the website and anyone else who attempts to link him to the scheme.
“In view of the information published yesterday by El Confidencial (and which has been echoed by many other media),” said the five-time world champion, “I want to clarify first that I neither know or have requested the services of Mr Alejandro Perez Calzada, the alleged person responsible for the Charisma fraud scheme.
“Being connected to tax evasion and money laundering activities is false and misleading information with the aim of damaging my reputation.
“Although El Confidencial has already proceeded to rectify the news, I want to warn that my lawyer will take legal action against any media that may affirm a link with the fraudulent scheme.”
Lorenzo has lived in Switzerland for a number of years and continues to be based there in retirement.
The country is a favourite haunt (along with Andorra and Monaco) with many Spanish athletes looking to reduce their tax bills, with Spain’s taxes among the highest in Europe.
“Since 2013, I live in and pay my taxes in Switzerland,” Lorenzo continued in his statement. “The authorities of that country defend my status as a taxpayer and they are fully aware of the composition and location of my assets. There is nothing opaque.”
However, he did concede that he is currently involved in proceedings with the Spanish authorities – but rather than not having paid enough tax to them, he says he has overpaid and is fighting for a rebate.
“Regarding the Spanish Tax Authorities, I want to clarify that I have paid all the taxes that are claimed,” he continued.
“However, my lawyers are dissatisfied with the interpretation of the Spanish Tax Agency (which considers me a Spanish tax resident) and have demanded the refund of these amounts.”
Having retired from MotoGP at the end of 2019 following his tough season with Honda, Lorenzo returned to Yamaha this year for a test role that was also due to include at least one wildcard race start.
But the coronavirus pandemic meant that race chance was cancelled, and Yamaha controversially chose to make very little use of Lorenzo for test duties before dropping him from that role for 2021 in favour of Cal Crutchlow – a choice Lorenzo criticised in a subsequent social media spat.
Lorenzo was then linked to an Aprilia deal, but could not agree terms.
