Published by Cel Manero from Global One Media, Inc.
The Colombian vocalist is already scheduled to go to court in a $13.9 million tax fraud lawsuit, which accuses her of failing to remit taxes for the years 2012 through 2014.
Once again, prosecutors in Spain have pressed charges against Shakira for tax fraud, this time related to her 2018 income tax filings. In a statement obtained by the Associated Press, authorities in Barcelona accused the 46-year-old Colombian singer of neglecting to fulfill a tax obligation of approximately $7.1 million (equivalent to 6.7 million euros) for the year 2018. They alleged that she evaded these taxes by utilizing an offshore company located in a tax haven.
Furthermore, it was reported by the AP that Shakira was informed of these charges while residing in her current home city of Miami. As of now, Shakira has not provided a response to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
These latest charges have emerged following a Spanish court’s announcement in July, revealing that they had initiated an investigation into potential fraud related to Shakira’s personal income tax and wealth tax for the year 2018. At the time, the court did not have precise information regarding the amount of money involved, as reported by the AP.
The court, situated near Barcelona in Esplugues de Llobregat, initiated a second case based on a complaint from the Barcelona Economic Crimes Prosecutor, alleging that Shakira had defrauded the tax authorities, according to information from Spanish media outlet El Pais. Additionally, another local outlet, El Periodico, reported that the prosecutor’s office had filed a complaint against her for two alleged tax offenses.
A spokesperson for Shakira, in a statement provided to PEOPLE, maintained her position, stating that she has always acted in accordance with the law and under the guidance of top tax experts. Currently residing in Miami, she remains focused on her career as an artist and is optimistic about achieving a favorable resolution to her tax-related matters.
The singer known for “El Jefe” is currently facing a trial in a $13.9 million tax evasion case, accused of not paying taxes for the period spanning 2012 to 2014. Spanish prosecutors argue that during these years, Shakira primarily resided in Spain with her former partner and ex-professional Spanish soccer player, Gerard Piqué, and their two children, Sasha (aged 8) and Milan (aged 10), thus making her subject to Spanish tax laws.
Shakira, on the other hand, contends that she spent the majority of her time living in her primary residence located in the Bahamas and has vehemently denied any wrongdoing in this case. Her public relations firm has also asserted that she paid the taxes owed along with an additional $3 million in interest, according to the AP.
Documents obtained by both El Periodico and El Pais from Shakira’s legal team state that she had spent most of her time outside Spain and had not intentionally concealed her income, attributing any discrepancies to “differing interpretations.”
In May, a Spanish court rejected her appeal in the case, affirming a 2021 judgment by Spanish Judge Marco Juberías, who concluded that there was “adequate evidence of criminal conduct” after a thorough three-year investigation.
It was reported that Shakira declined an opportunity to resolve the matter out of court in July 2022, as per Reuters. If she is found guilty during her trial, she could potentially face an eight-year prison sentence in addition to a substantial fine, as reported by the AP.
