Swiss company moved to UAE in 2007

A Swiss company, Jawer, rebranded as Helin in 2007 and relocated to the United Arab Emirates to avoid Swiss banking secrecy laws. This move placed it at the center of an international tax fraud case currently being tried in Paris.

Dubai Papers case involves 13 individuals and three companies

The case, known as the "Dubai Papers" case, involves 13 individuals and three companies accused of helping over 100 wealthy French taxpayers evade taxes and launder money between 2007 and 2018. Prosecutors claim this operation allowed these taxpayers to avoid at least 54 million euros in taxes.

French taxpayers hid 200 million euros in offshore accounts

According to the prosecution, French tax residents alone had over 200 million euros in assets hidden through 658 offshore companies. These funds were distributed across banks in the Bahamas, Mauritius, Hong Kong, and Puerto Rico.

Case exposed by L'Obs and supported by thousands of documents

The case came to light in September 2018 when the French weekly magazine L'Obs reported on it. The investigation was strengthened by thousands of internal Jawer/Helin documents provided anonymously to the French national financial prosecution (PNF) in January 2019.

Documents reveal methods of international tax fraud

The documents include messages, financial records, and other materials that detail how international tax fraud was carried out. These include the use of encrypted messaging, aliases in internal communications, and discreet money transfer methods like suitcases of cash or prepaid cards.

Prince Belgian Henri de Croÿ is at the center of the case

At the head of the operation was Prince Belgian Henri de Croÿ, 68, known as "A3" in internal communications. He was the first to be called to the stand. His lawyer, Me Antoine Vey, said Henri de Croÿ does not dispute the elements presented against him but wants to clarify the extent of his knowledge and responsibility.

Other accused include family members and a British patron

Henri de Croÿ's brother and associate Emmanuel de Croÿ, as well as British patron Géraldine Whittaker, are also accused. Whittaker's charitable trusts may have been used to hide clients' money, according to the prosecution.

Proceedings continue in Belgium and Switzerland

Other legal actions related to the case are ongoing in Belgium and Switzerland. Some less central accused have pleaded guilty and received suspended sentences and fines of up to 240,000 euros. The trial is expected to continue until December 3.