Terrence Howard Reportedly Being Investigated for Alleged Tax Evasion

“Empire” star Terrence Howard and his ex-wife-turned-fiancée, Mira Pak, are reportedly under criminal investigation by the federal government for alleged tax evasion.

PEOPLE reports that The Blast obtained court documents showing that the government is taking an interest in possible financial crimes allegedly committed by the couple and Universal Bridges Inc., a company said to be owned by Pak.

According to the report, Howard’s ongoing case has been taken up by the United States Attorney’s Office in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania, but a spokesperson for the office told PEOPLE:

“Our office can neither confirm or deny the existence of an investigation.”

The Blast claims that Howard, 50, and Pak found out they were under investigation on May 20 and that the actor has hired a high-profile criminal attorney to defend him. Federal investigators have also reportedly had initial discussions with the Chicago native.

Howard and Pak, who share sons Qirin and Hero, were initially married in 2013 and divorced two years later in 2015

Neither Howard nor Pak have provided a statement on the reported investigation, but the “August Rush” actor is no stranger to money troubles.

Only last month, he was reportedly hit with a tax lien of $143,538.61 inclusive of interest and penalties by the State of California Franchise Tax Board.

The reports claimed that a document was sent to the actor to warn him of possession of his assets should he fail to pay his debt immediately.

Howard was also reportedly hit with tax liens from the federal government for $1.1 million in 2010 and in 2006 for over $600,000.

The actor, who reportedly earns $175,000 monthly on “Empire,” recently splurged on a $1M seven-carat diamond ring in proposing for a second time to his ex-wife, Pak.

Howard and Pak, who share sons Qirin and Hero, were initially married in 2013 and divorced two years later in 2015. The pair seemed to be back together later the same year, and last December, Howard popped the question a second time.

Howard was previously married to Lori McCommas, with whom he shares three children, and Michelle Ghent, who twice got a restraining order against the actor over his consistent physical abuse.