Laughing Gas Kingpin Faces Tax Evasion Charges

A former “laughing gas king” who built a business selling nitrous oxide balloons now faces accusations of tax evasion. The Public Prosecution Service has begun proceedings against Üresin, who allegedly failed to declare corporate and sales tax, and has since emigrated to Turkey.

The Rise and Fall of a “Gas King”

Üresin, age 31, gained notoriety for selling “laughing gas” balloons in Amsterdam’s Leidseplein, Rembrandtplein, and De Wallen areas. The city previously issued six penalties totaling one million euros in 2016, but these did not deter the sales. The Council of State later upheld these penalties, as the vendor was operating without proper permits.

The Public Prosecution Service is now pursuing Üresin for not providing tax authorities with the required documentation. Authorities have issued an international signal because he reportedly moved to Turkey. His public persona, enhanced by documentaries and boasts about his earnings, reportedly drew the attention of tax officials.

“These signals were a reason for the Tax Authorities to set a book investigation,” the OM said.

Üresin was contacted but was unavailable for comment. The case will be heard at the Amsterdam District Court, but a date has not yet been set.

The Aftermath

The city of Amsterdam and other municipalities, such as Rotterdam, have struggled with the nuisance caused by the widespread sale of laughing gas balloons. Rotterdam spends approximately 1.5 million euros annually simply cleaning up discarded cylinders (NU.nl, 2023).