Gérard Depardieu Investigated for Aggravated Tax Fraud, Faces Sexual Assault Charges

French actor Gérard Depardieu is under investigation for aggravated tax fraud, with authorities in France and Belgium examining whether he falsely declared tax residency in Belgium to evade French taxes since 2013. The investigation, which includes searches of properties linked to Depardieu and interviews with associates, is being conducted by France's Central Office for Combating Corruption and Financial and Tax Offenses. Alongside the tax allegations, Depardieu is set to stand trial in March for sexual assault charges involving two women, which he denies. His legal troubles began after he moved to Belgium in 2013 to escape high taxes imposed by the French government, a decision that sparked significant controversy. Depardieu's lawyer has criticized the investigation as a long-term attempt to establish fraud that has yet to yield results. This situation highlights Depardieu's ongoing challenges amidst serious accusations in the context of France's #MeToo movement.