The Internal rents service (SRI) reported, through a statement that it will investigate the tax obligations of the former presidential candidate and leader of the Democratic Left (ID) political group, Xavier Hervas. This following President Guillermo Lasso’s request to the institution to investigate possible tax evasion by the political leader.
In this regard, the tax entity published its response on its networks regarding the events reported in the letter from the President, “which are due to the scope of the institution’s powers, respecting due process at all times, safeguarding the tax data (consequent with the obligations acquired as a State, within the context of the Global Forum) and the right to defense”.
It is added that the tax administration is carrying out all the corresponding technical analyzes regarding the information delivered by President Lasso, along with other legal actions within the scope of its powers, focused on protecting state interests, mainly those related to to the just collection of taxes.
official statement of the @SRIoficialEc Regarding the letter from the President of the Republic, @LassoGuillermoin which he exposes relevant facts of tax interest ⬇️. pic.twitter.com/05Ht3wrbUW
— SRI Ecuador (@SRIoficialEc) March 27, 2022
Lasso, in his letter to the collection body, explained that in a meeting he had with Hervas regarding the legal project, to which he asked for the support of the Democratic Left party, the politician “in an unprecedented way” made reference to the fact that the SRI had initiated in his once morest an audit.
The president asked the SRI to note that Hervas has declared Income Tax for just over 3,600 dollars between 2009 and 2020, and even with “zero” records in some years.
We are proceeding with legal measures once morest the corruption of someone who seeks to favor their personal interests.
My letter to the SRI so that the corresponding actions are taken. pic.twitter.com/FwXAPw4jLG
— Guillermo Lasso (@LassoGuillermo) March 27, 2022
However, Lasso argued, Hervas has declared the Foreign Currency Outflow Tax for larger amounts, which is incompatible.
For this reason, he said, he has instructed the SRI and the Financial Analysis Unit to thoroughly investigate the case and, if appropriate, file a criminal complaint.
For his part, Hervas assured that it was President Lasso who visited him at his company and that it was he who asked him to support the approval of the so-called investment law, which he refused since he is not a legislator. I have asked for nothing,” said Hervas in a video uploaded to social networks, in which he even said he felt helpless in the face of the president’s accusations.
To whom do you open the doors of your House? ???????? pic.twitter.com/cRlNiuHxEz
— Xavier Hervas (@xhervas) March 26, 2022
“With the power that he has, anyone is left defenseless,” he added. On the other hand, in an interview this morning with EcuavisaHervas pointed out that President Guillermo Lasso “lies” and reiterated that he and his companies have complied with their tax obligations.
“Neither in the past nor in the present nor in the future will I ask, nor have I ever asked, anything from the President of the Republic,” he said in the interview.