Investigators search Netflix offices in France and the Netherlands

Investigators searched the offices of U.S. streaming giant Netflix in France and the Netherlands Tuesday as part of a preliminary investigation into tax fraud and money laundering, a French judicial source close to the investigation told NBC News.

Searches were being conducted simultaneously at the company’s headquarters in Paris and Amsterdam by Dutch magistrates and investigators, accompanied by French magistrates and investigators. the source said.

The French investigation, carried out by the PNF, a special financial crime prosecution unit notorious for pursuing high-stakes white-collar probes that often involve large international companies, was opened in November 2022.

Dutch authorities were simultaneously searching the company’s European headquarters in Amsterdam, the French judicial source said.

NBC News has reached out to Netflix in France for comment. Representatives in the Netherlands could not immediately be reached for comment. NBC News has reached out to the Netherlands Financial Intelligence Unit for comment.

Cooperation between the French and Dutch authorities has been underway for many months, the source said.

A preliminary investigation in France does not imply criminal charges and does not necessarily lead to a trial.

The facts which led to the investigation were not immediately clear.

Large tech companies offering their online services and subscriptions across borders often run into difficulties with European tax authorities.

In 2022, Netflix had agreed to settle a tax dispute with Italy by paying 55.8 million euros ($60.78 million).

Netflix said on its website it opened its Paris bureau, located just around the corner from the Opera Garnier, in 2020 when it employed around 40 staff.

The company produces most of its original films and series, including the global blockbuster Emily in Paris by working with third-party contractors.