Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken

An NRC investigation reported by NOS described a channel for Heineken dividends through a Luxembourg company and then Jersey, allowing Charlene de Carvalho-Heineken to incur approximately 2.5% rather than 15% Dutch withholding tax, with estimated lost tax revenue of around 30 million euros a year. Following an anti-abuse measure, another capital repayment technique was used, according to the investigation.

State of the evidence

Journalistic investigation, estimated amounts and legislative change documented; criminal fraud not established

Legal status — source text

No criminal conviction identified; structure described as tax avoidance and targeted by an anti-abuse measure

Attribution

Direct responsibility as beneficiary and shareholder

The L'Arche Green → Heineken Holding → Heineken N.V. chain allows the Heineken family to retain control of the group with an indirect economic interest substantially below a majority of the overall economic capital. The VEB has historically criticised this 'holding trick' and questioned Charlene about balancing her interests with those of other shareholders.

State of the evidence

Official ownership structure and shareholder criticism documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility as heiress, controlling shareholder and executive director of Heineken Holding

Heineken states that Michel de Carvalho, Charlene's husband, and Alexander de Carvalho, her son, do not formally meet certain independence criteria and that the group does not comply with several Dutch corporate governance code best practices concerning representation of a major shareholder and directors' terms of office. The group accepts these departures in the interests of family continuity.

State of the evidence

Non-compliance with the code explicitly disclosed by Heineken

Legal status — source text

Not applicable; departures explained in the corporate governance statement

Attribution

Direct and institutional responsibility as a central member of the controlling family and director of the holding company

Heineken announced its withdrawal from Russia in March 2022 but did not complete the sale until August 2023. Meanwhile, its Russian business launched new local products and continued certain brands, prompting allegations of delay and inconsistency with its commitment to leave. The final disposal took place for 1 euro, with announced cumulative losses of 300 million euros.

State of the evidence

Chronology, criticism, product launches and final withdrawal documented

Legal status — source text

No personal wrongdoing or sanction against Charlene; institutional responsibility

Attribution

Limited institutional responsibility as controlling shareholder and director of Heineken Holding, with no demonstrated day-to-day operational role

An investigation into promotional workers employed by Heineken subcontractors in Africa reported sexual harassment, intimidation and poor working conditions. Heineken launched an investigation in fourteen countries and acknowledged problems before announcing principles and corrective measures.

State of the evidence

Journalistic investigation followed by a Heineken-commissioned investigation confirming problems in several countries

Legal status — source text

Internal measures and investigation; no personal criminal liability of Charlene established

Attribution

Limited institutional responsibility as controlling shareholder and holding company director; no personal involvement alleged