Depends, if the information was accessible for them or should've been without you trying to hide it, then it is not criminal, it is just you owing them money. Even if you didn't report. This is the law in many countries.
They cannot take your money if you are proven resident of the new country. This is written in the bilateral OECD legislation for assistance in collecting tax debt. However, if you are considered a criminal, then they could go︀ a different path but still I think this is unlikely. Some things you can do:︁
- Get residency in the new country and open the bank account with the new︂ residence card. This way, they cannot use the bilateral OECD legislation to take your money,︃ as long as you are not accused of crime.
- Bank in a non CRS︄ country, or use another passport to register for your bank accounts if possible. I think︅ holding stocks or placing funds in trusts is not covered by the CRS as well.︆
Think twice paying them back. If it would be easy for them to take the︇ money, they would have taken it without threatening you. But make a calculated decision. I︈ do not know your exact situation. Keep in mind they have to take you to︉ court before being able to use the bilateral OECD legislation. And NEVER keep any funds︊ within the EU, much easier for them to collect. Keep track of the statute of︋ limitations. Sometimes it can be extended in case you live abroad so there is not︌ really an upside for you telling them you live abroad. In case of any new︍ tax investigation, the actual place of abode would decide your fate anyways, not what you︎ told them in the past.
And lastly, they will not freeze your passport only for️ debt. They might do it if you get convicted, but not for debt. And you have enough time to get a new one by living 1 year in Argentina etc.