Pavarotti Cleared Of Tax Evasion Charges

by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels

23 October 2001

Despite allegations from an Italian prosecutor that 'in reality, Pavarotti doesn't pay tax anywhere in the world', an Italian court has cleared the tenor of charges of tax evasion brought by the tax authorities in his home town of Modena.

Prosecutors on the case argued that between 1989 and 1995, Pavarotti was resident in Italy, and not Monaco as he has always claimed, and was therefore eligible to pay Italian tax for that period. Despite the fact that the opera star has a luxury property and interests in 11 companies based in Modena, however, his lawyers argued that he only visited his home country to 'take holidays, try to slim, and see friends,' and that he was put up by friends each time he visited.

The Italian court last week threw out charges of tax evasion and filing false returns, which could have resulted in a three year custodial sentence, marking the end of a prolonged and difficult struggle for the tenor.

The Maestro was apparently not present for the verdict, but was said to be delighted with the result, claiming that he had always acted in good faith when filing tax returns in Modena. 'This is a very happy day for me,' he said through a spokeswoman. 'I was expecting nothing less than this outcome. My conscience was clear throughout this long case and I feel a cloud has been lifted.' The singer's fiancee, Nicoletta Mantovani, who is herself under investigation by the Italian tax authorities, also indicated that the verdict had been welcome but expected.

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