A CHINESE influencer known as the “livestreaming queen” has been ordered to pay US$204 million (RM860 million) for tax evasion, said authorities today, the biggest fine of its kind in the crackdown on celebrities in China.

Huang Wei, known by her username Viya, is one of the most popular e-commerce influencers in China, with over 110 million followers on social media.

Zhejiang tax authorities said between 2019 and 2020, she “evaded 643 million yuan (RM425 million) of taxes through means such as concealing personal income and false declarations of income”.

“A total of 1.341 billion yuan was imposed on Huang in the collection of taxes, additional late fees and fines,” said authorities in an online statement.

China launched a broader crackdown on tax evasion and immoral behaviour in the entertainment industry earlier this year, which has also impacted online celebrity fan groups and influencers.

Two Chinese livestreamers were fined US$14 million last month.

Huang posted a lengthy apology on Twitter-like social media platform Weibo.

“During the investigation, I realised that my actions indeed violated tax laws and regulations. I am very remorseful and apologise to the public.

“I fully accept the tax department’s relevant punishment decision made against me in accordance with the law.”

The tightening overlaps with the launch of Chinese President Xi Jinping’s “common prosperity” initiative to reduce economic inequality, which heralded a drive to reduce excessive incomes in sectors such as entertainment and tech.

In June, Huang was fined 530,000 yuan for violating advertisement laws, after fans accused her of allegedly hawking counterfeit products.

During the wider crackdown, a series of scandals took down some of the biggest entertainers in China.

Chinese actress Zheng Shuang was hit with a US$46 million fine for tax evasion.

The State Administration of Radio, Film and Television had at the time said it has “zero tolerance” for tax evasion and entertainers’ “sky-high pay”. – AFP, December 20, 2021.