Wu Yifan, facing tax evasion charges, is transferred to a new prison
Previously, in 2021, Wu Yifan was fined $83.7 million for tax evasion. Chinese media report that Wu Yifan has been transferred to a new prison in Chaoyang District, Beijing, awaiting trial on new charges.
Wu Yifan was expelled from the Chinese entertainment industry in 2021 after being apprehended by authorities in July 2021. During his initial incarceration, the artist reportedly experienced significant anxiety and difficulty adjusting to prison life.
In June 2022, Wu Yifan went on trial, but the proceedings were held in closed court to protect the victims.
The actor was sentenced to 13 years in prison for rape and organizing a group sex party. The former star of the Chinese entertainment scene will be deported from China upon completion of his sentence.
Wu Yifan’s legal team subsequently appealed, but the appellate court upheld the original verdict.
Wu Yifan’s case is considered a major scandal, unprecedented in the history of Chinese entertainment. Various Chinese authorities have publicly commented on the seriousness of the incident.
The China Film Association stated, “Stars without morality are like bubbles in the air; no matter how high they fly, no matter how inflated they become, eventually they will burst.”
Over the past four years, Wu Yifan has remained a subject of public interest while in prison. Sources claim he holds a leadership position within the prison and receives certain privileges. Reports even suggest he has gained 9 kg in weight since entering prison.
Legal experts note that if the tax evasion charges against Wu Yifan are proven, his sentence could be extended. Specifically, the court would add the new charges to his current sentence, subtracting the time already served. This means Wu Yifan’s 13-year prison sentence could be further lengthened.
Before his legal troubles, the 1990-born star was a prominent and popular artist in China.
He debuted in the entertainment industry as a member of the group EXO in 2012. After parting ways with his Korean management company, he relocated to China to pursue his career. Before his downfall, he had over 50 million fans in China.
In the Chinese entertainment industry, Wu Yifan was considered one of the most commercially successful and highly-regarded artists. He also enjoyed considerable popularity outside of China. His fame led him to become a spokesperson for 40 luxury brands.
For four consecutive years, Wu Yifan was named among the top 10 celebrities in China by Forbes magazine. According to 163, the artist earned nearly $20 million annually.
Prior to his legal entanglement, Wu Yifan was operating four entertainment companies and held shares in several others. The publication On reported that the famous star reportedly possessed approximately $206 million from his artistic and business endeavors before his arrest.
