Tension is rising in the legal battle involving Tiësto’s former attorney, Frank Butselaar. He is facing court again this week over $28 million in concealed taxes. His defense team is reportedly preparing to argue that the Dutch DJ should be responsible for paying the amount back.
Allegations of Offshore Tax Evasion
According to Business Insider, Butselaar used a complex web of illegal offshore accounts to hide over $100 million in U.S. taxes for his celebrity clients. These clients include world-renowned DJs Tiësto and Afrojack.
While serving the final months of a 30-month prison sentence for tax fraud—a charge he pleaded guilty to in November 2024—the IRS is now demanding the return of $28 million linked to Tiësto’s earnings.
Tiësto’s Involvement and Repayment
Despite the massive sum, prosecutors have not filed charges against Tiësto, born Tijs Michiel Verwest. Court documents reveal that the U.S. District Attorney limited Tiësto’s repayment obligations to $9,467,085. The DJ has already paid this amount voluntarily. However, with an outstanding balance of $19,250,845, Butselaar’s legal team argues that Tiësto should pay the remaining amount. They claim their client cannot afford to cover the debt.
In a recent court filing on March 3, prosecutors offered to reduce the outstanding balance to $15.5 million if paid promptly and without further legal disputes.
Wider Implications for Butselaar
Butselaar’s legal troubles extend beyond Tiësto. In November, he also admitted to concealing $70 million in earnings on behalf of Afrojack using the same offshore schemes. Altogether, prosecutors estimate that Butselaar’s illegal activities have cost the U.S. government over $25 million in lost revenue.
Prosecutors are pushing back against Butselaar’s claims. In a recent court filing, they wrote: “Butselaar’s efforts to escape his restitution obligations are unpersuasive, unsupported by law, and contrary to the plea agreement that both he and his lawyers signed.”
Potential Consequences
As the legal battle unfolds, the outcome could have significant financial and reputational consequences for both Butselaar and Tiësto. This case further intertwines the world of high-profile DJs and international tax law.