Jorge Lorenzo hits out after media reports linking him to tax evasion case

Jorge Lorenzo has issued a strongly worded statement via his lawyer warning media outlets not to pursue a report published in a Spanish newspaper that linked him to an offshore network that it says has allowed him to evade taxes totalling almost €1 million.

According to El Confidencial, three-time MotoGP champion Lorenzo was cited in documents concerning a company named Charisma, which it suggests has been behind moving his assets between Andorra, Monaco and Switzerland in order to evade taxes of €850,000.

The investigation refers to a period in which Lorenzo claimed to have a tax domicile in London, before being transferred to Andorra and then Switzerland.

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However, Lorenzo has gone on the offensive against the publication and related media giving the impression of guilt, issuing a statement that threatens legal action against those which attempt to ‘damage’ his reputation before clarifying his domicile.

“In view of the information published yesterday by El Confidencial (and which has been echoed by many other media), I want to clarify:

“First - I neither know nor have i requested the services of Mr. Alejandro Perez Calzada, the alleged person responsible for the Charisma fraud scheme. Being connected to a tax evasion and money laundering activity 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 actions against any media that may affirm such a link with the fraudulent scheme.

“Second - Since 2013 I live and pay my taxes in Switzerland. 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.

“Third - Regarding the Spanish Tax Authorities, I want to clarify that I have paid all the taxes that have been claimed. However, my lawyers are dissatisfied with the interpretation of the Spanish Tax Agency (which considers me to be a Spanish tax resident) and have demanded the refund of these amounts.”