skyggevirksomheder

Skjyggevirksomheder, or shadow companies, are legal entities that exist primarily to obscure ownership, control or the true purpose of a business arrangement. They may operate as shell companies, offshore vehicles or front businesses, often using nominee directors or multi-layered corporate structures to hide beneficial ownership or the origin of funds. While some are used legitimately for privacy, risk management, or legal segregation of assets, many are associated with tax avoidance, money laundering, sanctions evasion or other illicit activities.

Common features include complex ownership chains, use of registries or intermediaries (such as law and accounting firms), and registration in secrecy jurisdictions or tax havens. They can be employed to conceal the ultimate owner, reduce tax liabilities, obtain loans, or move funds across borders with reduced transparency.

From a regulatory perspective, many jurisdictions have introduced measures to curb abuse, such as beneficial ownership registries, enhanced KYC/AML controls, and international cooperation under BEPS and related directives. Critics argue that lack of transparency undermines tax fairness and financial integrity, while supporters contend that privacy and legitimate business purposes can justify certain structures.

Terminology and perceptions vary by jurisdiction; the concept is widely discussed in debates over corporate governance, taxation, and financial crime. See also shell company, offshore company, BEPS, and beneficial ownership registry.