Tax inspectorate eyes Belgium’s richest family

The Special Tax Inspectorate (ISI/BBI) in Bruges has launched an investigation into the noble Spoelberch family, the richest family in Belgium, reports De Tijd. The Spoelberch family assets are estimated at more than €17 billion.

Along with the families Van Damme and Mévius, the Spoelberchs own 29% of the beer giant AB InBev, valued at around €35 billion. The family’s wealth is spread all over the world, as evidenced by the billionaire family’s name showing up in the ongoing Lux Leaks and Swiss Leaks tax evasion investigations.

The investigations into secret tax deals between Luxembourg and Switzerland and hundreds of international corporations have created a storm of controversy across Europe, especially in Brussels, where the European Commission has been working to eliminate tax havens.