In a major international probe, authorities in France and the Netherlands raided Netflix offices on Tuesday as part of a sweeping investigation into alleged tax fraud and money laundering.
According to French judicial sources, the search focused on suspected financial misconduct, including undeclared labor and tax-related offenses, with investigators targeting Netflix's French headquarters in Paris and its European base in Amsterdam.
The investigation began in November 2022, and French and Dutch officials have been collaborating on it for several months. Officials report that French police investigators from a specialized anti-fraud unit carried out the search with the support of the French national prosecutor's office, which also deals with financial crimes.
Meanwhile, in the Netherlands, Dutch authorities, following a request from their French counterparts, searched Netflix's Amsterdam office to assist in the investigation, according to AP News. Emma Bosma, a spokesperson for the Dutch National Office for Serious Fraud, said, "We have acted upon France's request, sharing our resources for a transparent probe."
Netflix Assures Compliance Amid Ongoing Tax Probe in France, Netherlands
Netflix responded to the developments, stating, "We are cooperating with the authorities in France, where Netflix is a significant contributor to the local economy, and we comply with the tax laws and regulations in all the countries in which we operate."
The probe reportedly centers on Netflix's tax filings for revenue generated in France between 2019 and 2021. During that period, Netflix is said to have structured its operations so that French subscribers paid through a Dutch subsidiary, potentially allowing the company to reduce its tax obligations in France.
After changes to its structure in 2021, Netflix's French division began reporting significantly higher revenues, aligning with its large subscriber base in France.
As with any preliminary investigation, officials emphasize that this does not mean criminal charges are certain or that a trial will necessarily follow.
