Dancing with Stars champion Hélio Castroneves indicted of tax evasion

Brazilian auto racing driver, Hélio Castroneves, has been indicted of tax evasion by the IRS. The 33 year old driver and reality dance competition winner evaded millions of dollars in tax from 1999 to 20004. Along with Hélio, his sister and business manager, 35 year old Katiucia Castroneves, and his Ohio based lawyer, 71 year old Alan R. Miller, are also facing charges.

News reports say that the three devised a “tax-dodging scheme” by using an offshore shell corporation in Panama. In the process, Hélio evaded his income of $5.5 million to the Internal Revenue Service. On October 3, 2008, the three were summoned to the federal court. Upon proven guilty, each of them would face 30 year prison term. IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman said:

"This case sends a clear message that the IRS is committed to vigorously enforcing the tax laws and stopping offshore tax evasion,"

Hélio Castroneves won Indy 500 in 2001 and 2002. He became a major celebrity after becoming the champion of the fifth season of the American reality television show, Dancing With the Stars. Post victory, he divorced his wife and lives alone in his Florida mansion.

Related article:

cbc.ca