YouTuber Arrested for Tax Evasion Related to $400,000 Ferrari

Cody Detwiler, a popular YouTuber known as WhistlinDiesel, has been arrested for tax evasion linked to a high-profile incident involving a $400,000 Ferrari F8 Tributo. The 27-year-old content creator, who boasts over 10 million subscribers, allegedly set the luxury vehicle on fire during a video in an attempt to garner views.

In March 2023, Detwiler purchased the Ferrari for approximately £300,000 and featured it in a series of videos on his YouTube channel, including one titled “The Fastest Way to Lose Half a Million Dollars. My Ferrari is Gone.” In these videos, Detwiler conducted a so-called ‘durability test’ which culminated in the car being destroyed in a dramatic fireball.

Court documents reveal that Detwiler faces charges for “unlawfully and wilfully” evading tax due to the State of Tennessee in an amount of $500 or more. This charge is classified as a Class E felony, which could result in up to six years in prison and a maximum fine of $3,000 (approximately £2,280). The same charges apply to his business, WHISTLINDIESEL, LLC.

Following his arrest, Detwiler shared his experience on Instagram, posting his mugshot along with images of the police escort. He captioned the photos, “Won so big they thought I was cheating.” In a subsequent video, he recounted the arrest, stating that six officers arrived at his home with a warrant for tax evasion, but did not provide him with details about the charges. He expressed confusion over the situation, claiming he had always paid his taxes and had not received any prior notice.

The Ferrari involved in this case was registered in Montana, a state known for its lack of sales tax on vehicles, presenting a potential loophole for supercar owners. In contrast, Tennessee imposes a sales tax of 7% on vehicle purchases, which may be a factor in the investigation.

Detwiler’s videos featuring the Ferrari have garnered millions of views, showing him engaging in reckless behavior such as drifting on dirt roads and deliberately damaging the vehicle. In one widely viewed video with 21 million views, he drove the Ferrari through a cornfield where dry husks ignited, leading to a rapidly spreading fire that ultimately consumed both the Ferrari and a nearby rental van used by his filming team.

As this case unfolds, it highlights the complex intersection of social media fame, legal accountability, and the financial responsibilities that come with high-value assets. Detwiler’s next court date is anticipated, and he has promised to keep his followers updated on the developments.