Film industry accusation sets off tax-evasion investigation

Authorities have begun an investigation of rumored tax evasion in the film and television industry, and the State Administration of Taxation said in a statement released on Sunday that any illegal activity uncovered would be punished in accordance with the law.

The statement comes after a recent furor online that a Chinese film actor may have evaded taxes by reporting only a fraction of total earnings from a film deal.

Former TV host Cui Yongyuan released screenshots of a document in a Weibo post on Friday that appeared to be an actor's employment contract.