Over the past few years, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have faced numerous questions regarding their financial dealings and opaque business ventures since stepping back from royal duties.
Recent developments may provide some answers, though they are likely to spark further controversy. Exclusive documents reveal that the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has launched a formal investigation into Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's finances, dating back to before their marriage in 2018. The IRS alleges there are unexplained transactions and discrepancies in their tax returns, particularly during the period when Meghan had business dealings with a now-convicted U.S. fugitive.
Before marrying Prince Harry, Meghan Markle was best known for her acting career, notably starring in the popular TV drama "Suits." However, few were aware of her past association with a man named Bradley Striker. Striker was a wealthy entrepreneur from California who amassed his fortune in pharmaceuticals and real estate. In 2011, Striker approached Meghan about investing in her acting career, becoming her business manager and adviser. At the time, Meghan was struggling to secure larger roles and saw this as an opportunity. Striker promised to promote her and connect her with influential people in Hollywood.
Their partnership lasted roughly three years, with Striker managing Meghan's finances, taxes, and portfolio of small business ventures. Unbeknownst to Meghan, Striker's operations were not legitimate. In 2014, he was indicted by a federal grand jury for tax evasion, money laundering, fraud, and racketeering. Prosecutors alleged that Striker headed an interstate crime ring involved in pump-and-dump stock schemes, siphoning hundreds of millions from investors. Striker fled the country before authorities could arrest him and remained a fugitive for years. However, in 2019, he was apprehended in Paris and extradited to the U.S. to face charges. During his highly publicized trial, explosive testimony revealed Striker's shady business practices and associations with organized crime figures. He was ultimately convicted on all counts and sentenced to 25 years in prison.
This brings Meghan's involvement under scrutiny. As Striker's former business partner and client, investigators are closely examining their financial relationship between 2011 and 2014. They seek to determine if any of Striker's illegal activities implicated Meghan or if she unknowingly profited from his crimes. The IRS investigation, launched just last month, focuses on discrepancies in tax filings and unverified income sources during the years Meghan worked with Striker. They aim to identify any unreported or suspicious transactions that could constitute criminal tax evasion or money laundering.
Meghan maintains that she had no knowledge of Striker's crimes during their partnership. However, the timing raises questions, given that his indictment came just months after their partnership ended. Tax experts suggest it is unlikely to be a coincidence. Additionally, there remains the possibility that some of Meghan's income during that period originated from Striker's unlawful activities, adding another layer of complexity.
Compounding the issue is the lack of financial records from Meghan during this time. When IRS agents requested her tax documentation and business records, her lawyers reportedly claimed many documents were lost or unretrievable. This absence of proper paperwork raises red flags for investigators and does not help dispel suspicions of wrongdoing.
Sources close to the IRS probe also revealed that ongoing cryptocurrency transactions between overseas accounts tied to Meghan have attracted extra attention and scrutiny. This is particularly notable given Meghan and Harry's vocal support for investing in cryptocurrency, an asset class known for its volatility and potential for facilitating illicit funds due to unregulated exchanges.
All these factors raise questions about what Meghan might be hiding from those years and whether it could implicate Harry financially now that they are married with shared business ventures. At the time, Meghan was relatively unknown, while Striker moved in high-powered circles. Did she benefit from his connections in ways that she has not fully disclosed? This investigation aims to uncover the truth behind their financial dealings and any potential involvement in Striker's criminal activities.
