KYIV - Hundreds of Ukrainian content creators are reportedly facing serious financial penalties after the country’s State Tax Service revealed that income earned through OnlyFans between 2020 and 2022 went largely untaxed. According to a report by the Ukrainian business outlet Economic Truth, creators collectively owe around 384.7 million hryvnias approximately $9.3 million USD in unpaid taxes.
The investigation found that many individuals earning money from Fenix International Ltd., the London-based operator of OnlyFans, failed to declare their income to Ukrainian tax authorities. As a result, a large number of creators who built successful online profiles are now being asked to pay substantial back taxes.
In Ukraine, OnlyFans has become one of the most popular platforms for adult performers and digital models to share exclusive content and connect directly with subscribers. However, Ukrainian tax law and criminal legislation create unique challenges for those working in the adult industry.
Under Article 301 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code, the production or distribution of pornographic material is still a criminal offense. Anyone found guilty of creating or promoting such content can face penalties ranging from heavy fines to up to seven years in prison.
This situation highlights a growing conflict between modern digital entrepreneurship and outdated legal frameworks in Ukraine. While many creators view platforms like OnlyFans as legitimate online businesses, the state still treats adult content production as illegal creating uncertainty and risk for those involved.
Experts argue that as Ukraine continues its digital and economic reforms, it may need to reconsider how to regulate and tax the online adult sector. For now, however, OnlyFans creators in Ukraine find themselves navigating both tax debt and potential criminal liability, caught between a global online economy and restrictive national laws.
