The IRS has initiated a criminal investigation into the activities of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Archwell Foundation, following the discovery of false information and irregularities in their tax report.
This development, as reported by the Daily Mail, raises the possibility of severe consequences for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, including arrest, fines, and even imprisonment, if they are found guilty of tax fraud.
According to reliable sources, the IRS unearthed evidence that the Archwell Foundation, a non-profit organization established by Harry and Meghan in 2020, claimed to work only one hour per week in 2021, despite amassing over $13 million in donations.
Further investigation revealed that the foundation had disbursed $163,085 in salaries, with its CEO James Holt receiving $59,846.
It is worth noting that Holt is a close friend and former spokesperson for the couple.
The IRS suspects that Harry and Meghan may have been utilizing the Archwell Foundation as a front to channel funds into their for-profit ventures, including Archwell Audio, Archwell Productions, and Archwell Invictus.
These entities have secured lucrative deals with major companies such as Spotify, Netflix, and Procter & Gamble.
Additionally, the IRS believes that the couple inflated their expenses and deducted personal costs, such as security, travel, and lifestyle, as charitable contributions.
To pursue this matter further, the IRS has issued a subpoena to the Archwell Foundation, demanding access to its financial records, bank statements, and correspondence.
Furthermore, the IRS has reached out to the foundation’s donors, requesting verification of their contributions and provision of receipts.
The IRS has made it clear that anyone implicated in the tax fraud scheme will face legal repercussions.
A former IRS agent, speaking anonymously, emphasized the gravity of Harry and Meghan’s case, stating that they could potentially face severe penalties if convicted.
Tax fraud is a federal offense that carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of $250,000 per count.
The number of charges brought against the couple will depend on the amount of money involved and the extent of their deception.
In addition to criminal penalties, they may also be liable for civil penalties, including back taxes, interest, and fines, which could potentially amount to millions of dollars.
Furthermore, their tax-exempt status and philanthropic reputation could be jeopardized.
The former IRS agent also highlighted the high-profile nature of this case, suggesting that the IRS will not hesitate to make an example of Harry and Meghan.
He emphasized the agency’s aggressive pursuit of celebrities and public figures who evade taxes, aiming to convey the message that no one is above the law and everyone must fulfill their tax obligations.
Given Harry and Meghan’s fame and their polarizing public image, the IRS may be particularly motivated to expose any alleged hypocrisy.
While Harry and Meghan have refrained from commenting on the IRS investigation, sources close to them have vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
They have accused the IRS of bias and harassment, asserting that the investigation is part of a smear campaign orchestrated by their adversaries, including British tabloids, the royal family, and even the Trump administration.