Chinese Regime Lists 500 Actors in Tax Evasion Crackdown

Chinese actors and other film industry professionals are in the crosshairs of the communist authorities, as the State Administration of Taxation pursues an ambitious campaign against tax evasion.

Chinese actor Deng Chao and actress Sun Li arrive on the red carpet of the 55th Golden Horse film awards, dubbed the Chinese 'Oscars', in Taipei on November 17, 2018. SAM YEH/AFP/Getty Images

Over 500 Chinese actors and other film industry professionals are in the crosshairs of communist authorities as the State Administration of Taxation pursues an ambitious campaign against tax evasion.

As a result of economic downturn, Chinese authorities at the central and regional levels face chronic shortage of funds. The recent crackdown on tax evasion among wealthy individuals such as Fan Bingbing and other actors, as well as recent tax reforms that increase government revenue, have been widely perceived as emergency measures by the Chinese Communist Party to boost its coffers.