Shakira, Pop Star, Reaches Agreement with Spanish Prosecutors on the Opening Day of Tax Fraud Trial
Barcelona, Spain—Popular singer Shakira avoided potential prison time by reaching an agreement with prosecutors minutes before the start of her tax fraud trial in Barcelona. The presiding magistrate, José Manuel del Amo, confirmed that Shakira accepted the deal and acknowledged six counts of failing to pay 14.5 million euros (about $15.8 million) in taxes to the Spanish government between 2012 and 2014.
As part of the agreement, Shakira was given a suspended three-year sentence and a fine of 7 million euros ($7.6 million). The trial, intended to last weeks with over 100 witnesses, was called off after just eight minutes. The singer’s decision to accept the deal was based on putting her family, career, and peace of mind first.
The case hinged on where Shakira lived during the period of tax fraud allegations, with prosecutors claiming that she spent more than half of the time in Spain despite her official residence being in the Bahamas.
Shakira’s legal team had initially prepared for a trial to prove her innocence but faced circumstances that led her to accept the deal. In 2022, she had rejected a deal offered by prosecutors, insisting on leaving the matter in the hands of the law. She had also been named in the “Paradise Papers” leaks that disclosed offshore tax arrangements of various high-profile individuals.
Shakira’s defense contended that she was away for extended periods due to a world tour and commitments in the United States and argued that she had not met the requirements to be considered a fiscal resident in Spain during the period in question.
The singer established fiscal residency in Spain in 2014 when her oldest child was enrolled in school in Barcelona, where she spent more time with her family.
Aside from the trial, Spanish state prosecutors charged Shakira with alleged evasion of 6.7 million euros in tax on her 2018 income, accusing her of using an offshore company to avoid paying the tax.
Shakira, known for her hits in Spanish and English, has two children with soccer star Gerard Piqué. She expressed gratitude for her Spanish fans after recently winning an award, thanking them for their support.
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