Frank Butselaar’s Plea: Seeking More Financial Responsibility from Tiësto Over Concealed Earnings

Following his guilty plea last month, Frank Butselaar is now obligated to pay over $19 million of the $28 million in back taxes related to the hidden earnings of Tiësto and Afrojack. However, the tax attorney is reportedly unable to afford the amount and intends to request that the renowned Dutch DJ contribute more towards this total.

It’s important to note that Tiësto, whose real name is Tijs Verwest, has already voluntarily paid nearly $9.5 million as requested by the US District Attorney and faces no personal charges. Prosecutors assert that Butselaar offshore managed the funds without Tiësto’s awareness. As reported by Business Insider, Butselaar’s attorney, Kerry Lawrence, plans to argue that Verwest should bear more financial responsibility.

“Mr. Butselaar was compensated an hourly rate to assist his clients,” stated Lawrence. “If anyone is liable for the taxes on the millions earned, it should be the artists themselves, not Mr. Butselaar.”

The US Department of Justice reports that Butselaar had “advised the creation” of offshore accounts designed to conceal the international income of Verwest and Afrojack (whose real name is Nick van de Wall), as well as that of fashion models such as Patricia van der Vliet and Daria Strokous. The total of $19,250,845 includes $700,000 that he hid for van de Wall, who was also unaware of this arrangement.

“Butselaar’s attempts to evade his restitution duties are unconvincing, unsupported by legal precedent, and in violation of the plea agreement that he and his legal team signed,” the prosecutors stated in a March 3 court filing. They have, however, proposed a reduction of the amount to $15.5 million if Butselaar pays promptly and without contesting the decision.

Butselaar’s appeal regarding his sentence is set to be reviewed during his next court appearance on Thursday, March 13.