The new series “Other People’s Money” is inspired by a large-scale tax scandal in Denmark, exploring themes of greed, corruption, and the clash between capitalism and the welfare state. The series, a pan-European production with a Danish angle, delves into the world of financial crime and its impact on society.

The series draws inspiration from the case of British businessman Sanjay Shah, who exploited loopholes in Danish dividend tax rules to illicitly obtain 12.7 billion kroner. The show uses this as a backdrop to examine the broader implications of unchecked ambition and systemic vulnerabilities.

The story unfolds through a framework of hearings intended to assign responsibility for a tax case that strongly resembles the real-life scandal. The narrative then shifts across various European cities, following a morally compromised lawyer in Frankfurt who seeks to exploit the Danish treasury, alongside a younger colleague struggling with his conscience.

On the Danish side, the series portrays the tax authorities as a blend of incompetence and austerity-driven dysfunction. A key figure is an experienced tax expert, supported by a genial employee whose emotional outburst captures the magnitude of the crisis. The series also presents a scathing critique of administrative failings and cost-cutting measures that inadvertently facilitated the fraud.

While the series attempts to provide a moral lesson on the corrupting influence of money and the conflict between individual egoism and community values, its detached style and scattered characters hinder deeper engagement. The complex financial explanations and metaphorical language further contribute to a sense of distance. Ultimately, the series raises questions about whether the true scandal is too outlandish to be effectively portrayed in a dramatic format and whether a documentary approach might be more suitable.