Tax Fraud Allegations: Spanish Authorities Chases Shakira with Jail Term

Image: KAKE

Colombian music sensation Shakira, renowned as the "Queen of Latin Pop," is poised to face trial in Barcelona as Spanish prosecutors pursue a tax fraud case against her.

Accused of defrauding the Spanish state of 14.5 million euros ($15.7 million) in income earned between 2012 and 2014, the 46-year-old singer is confronting prosecutors seeking a jail term exceeding eight years. Shakira vehemently denies the charges, asserting that she only established full-time residency in Spain in 2015.

Spanish authorities contend that she spent a significant portion of that timeframe in Spain and should have paid taxes in the country. They allege that Shakira employed a network of companies in tax havens to evade Spanish taxes.

The singer's defense maintains that until 2014, she led a "nomadic life," primarily earning income from international tours. They argue that Shakira permanently moved to Barcelona just before the birth of her second son in January 2015.

In a 2022 interview with Elle magazine, Shakira stated, "I've paid everything they claimed I owed, even before they filed a lawsuit. So, as of today, I owe zero to them."

Commencing today at a Barcelona court, Shakira's trial, scheduled to run until December 14, is set to feature the testimony of nearly 120 witnesses. The prosecution seeks a jail term of eight years and two months, along with a fine of nearly 24 million euros ($24 million).

While Shakira is expected to testify during the opening session, she may seek permission to be absent from subsequent hearings. The trial is poised to unveil details of her private life, with Spanish prosecutors conducting a meticulous investigation, including interviews with neighbors, tracking social media activity, and examining payments at local establishments.

Shakira's financial affairs previously garnered attention in the "Pandora Papers" leak in October 2021, revealing details related to her residence in the Bahamas. This trial follows Spain's intensified efforts to combat tax evasion by celebrities, echoing previous legal actions against figures such as football stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The verdict of this high-profile case is eagerly anticipated, given recent legal actions against prominent figures for similar financial matters in the country.

Source: dailypost.ng

#Shakira
#Spain
#Lionel Messi
#Cristiano Ronaldo
#Tax Evasion