Fri Mar 21 07:20:00 UTC 2025: ## Chinese Propagandist Sima Nan Hit with $1.3 Million Tax Evasion Fine

**Beijing, March 21, 2025** – Prominent Chinese internet personality and outspoken critic of the West, Sima Nan, has been fined over 9 million yuan ($1.3 million USD) for tax evasion. The Beijing Municipal Tax Bureau announced today that Sima Nan, known for his vehemently anti-American rhetoric and large online following, underpaid taxes totaling 4.62 million yuan between 2019 and 2023. The evasion involved concealing income and false reporting.

Further investigations revealed that a film production company he controlled also underpaid taxes by 753,200 yuan through fraudulent accounting practices. In total, Sima Nan and his company were ordered to repay the evaded taxes, plus penalties and late fees, totaling 9.27 million yuan. All funds have been recovered.

Sima Nan, often referred to as a “big 5 cent” (a term for pro-government internet commentators) and a “leftist internet celebrity,” boasts a massive online presence with nearly 38 million followers on Douyin (TikTok), over 3.2 million on Weibo, and over 1.6 million on Bilibili. His frequent anti-American and anti-Western commentary has led to accusations of hypocrisy, particularly after reports surfaced in 2022 that he had purchased property in the United States. His Weibo account has been inactive since November 5, 2022, following a flurry of posts critical of Germany, Israel, and supportive of Iran and Hamas, alongside commentary on sensitive topics including Taiwan and the US election. The timing of the tax evasion announcement and the past controversies surrounding Sima Nan raise questions about the implications for other high-profile online commentators.

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