Spanish online personality Willyrex, known for his large following, has resided for years in Andorra. Public records indicate he owns at least three real estate interests: two sizable flats in prominent Barcelona districts, Pedralbes and Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, along with a stake in a Sarrià-Sant Gervasi retail property. The local Tax Authority halted his ownership of these properties starting in late October 2022 while examining outstanding debts to the treasury.
The consequence is clear: the properties cannot be sold, rented, or transferred into another name while the debt case remains unresolved. Experts consulted note that the measures persist until the debts are settled or an appeal succeeds.
The publication reached the individual, whose legal name is Guillermo Díaz Ibáñez, seeking insight into the ongoing procedure. Díaz’s representative provided contact details. Díaz responded by delegating the matter to his attorney, who declined to comment beyond saying the information was inaccurate, without elaborating on the disagreements.
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The assets are held under a corporate structure, with Willyrex connected to a company in which he holds full ownership. The tax agency has temporarily frozen shares in the company and included the listed properties to prevent dissipation.
Historically, officials note that before 2012, a stake in a company could be seized, but real estate might still be sold. The current practice allows blocking property disposal while a taxpayer controls the company, preventing asset drainage. This approach aims to secure potential recoveries for the state.
Sources indicate Willyrex could continue to reside in one of the apartments, although he has publicly stressed his residence in Andorra, a jurisdiction where spending more than 183 days a year can qualify an individual for tax residency and potentially lower taxes than in Spain.
Reports quote the creator stating that he felt he had paid substantial taxes and that his remaining balance with Spain was largely satisfied. He expressed the sentiment that his financial obligations were already substantial.
The Tax Authority applies precautionary measures whenever there is a clear outstanding debt and a risk of non-payment. Interim measures last up to a year, and penalties may be lifted if voluntary payment is made; otherwise, the case proceeds to enforcement.
If the debt is resolved, Díaz would typically seek removal of the encumbrances from the property registry. However, information obtained by El Periódico de España suggested this was not acted upon.
Apartments worth millions
The premier asset is a high-end apartment in Pedralbes, a neighborhood known for its affluence and residence by notable figures. The space on Marqués de Mulhacén Street spans multiple rooms on the third floor, with generous parking and storage. Acquired in 2021, market data place its value around 2.59 million euros.
Two additional properties in Sarrià-Sant Gervasi were registered in 2018. One is an apartment on Tavernet Street measuring 103 square meters, with a market value near 447,000 euros based on local rate estimates.
A third asset involves eight hundred nineteen undivided shares in a semi-basement on Descartes Street. Despite a 268-square-meter interior, official cadastre records indicate a construction area of 25 square meters, and the space has a mixed use that includes residential potential.
Example of Willyrex SL and El Rubius
Willyrex SL, the company behind the real estate holdings under scrutiny, originated in Madrid in 2012. Díaz began his YouTube channel in 2009, at a young age, documenting early experiences and eventually discovering the potential for a sustainable career online. The name Willyrex stems from a blend of English and Latin roots.
Early records show substantial income through the company, with 210,000 euros reported in one year and 687,000 euros the next, followed by continued large figures in subsequent years. Wage payments and corporate costs influenced reported profits, and by 2016, Díaz’s role shifted as leadership passed to others. The move to Andorra followed, a shift shared with peers who pursued similar arrangements.
By 2018, the company held assets valued at around one million euros, though records indicate no formal filing at the Trade Registry since that time.
The precise reasons for the tax investigation into Willyrex remain undisclosed. The broader context includes past cases involving other creators who adopted corporate structures to manage earnings and tax liabilities. Analysts note the distinction between personal income and corporate income, highlighting governance concerns and the potential for shell-like arrangements if earnings are not aligned with market norms.
Alongside this, analysts observe that the debt level could influence whether the individual appears on official defaulter lists, with thresholds that determine annual publication.
Gestha’s president commented on related cases, noting that tax authorities may scrutinize the nature of income, company structure, and actual economic contributions to the tax base. The goal is to ensure alignment with both corporate and personal taxation rules and to prevent arrangements that obscure true earnings.
In summary, Willyrex’s outstanding obligations to the tax authorities appear to sit within a framework that balances corporate asset protection with enforcement aims, pending further resolution.