The case of alleged tax fraud that burdened the Spanish treasury has been dragging on Shakira for about four years. In the years 2012-2014, the star allegedly avoided paying EUR 14.5 million in income tax in Spain. She was charged with six charges, but pleaded not guilty, claiming that at that time she was not living in the homeland of her children’s father, Gerard Pique. A few months ago, further charges were to appear – this time regarding non-payment of taxes (a total of EUR 6.7 million) in 2018. The prosecutor’s office claims that Shakira broke the law, and the first trial against her was scheduled for November 20 this year.
Shakira appeared in court for tax crimes. He will avoid prison, but…
Shakira appeared in court and decided not to drag the case any longer. An agreement was reached between her and the justice system. According to the settlement as a punishment for tax fraud, the Colombian will have to pay a fine of EUR 7.3 million.
Thanks to this, the star will avoid prison (she faced up to eight years in prison), but this will require her to pay another 432 thousand euro fine. For an agreement to be reached, Shakira had to plead guilty, but in a statement issued after the trial she stated that she had not committed a crime.
“I need to forget about the stress and emotional toll of the last few years and focus on the things I love – my children and all the opportunities that will come my way in my career, including my upcoming world tour and my new album,” Shakira wrote.
-“I admire those who fought this injustice until the end, but for me today’s victory means regaining time for my children and work. Throughout my career, I have always strived to do the right thing and set a positive example for others. “Unfortunately, despite these efforts, the tax authorities in Spain have opened a case against me, as they have against many professional athletes and other celebrities, depriving these people of their energy, time and peace of mind for years,” she added in a statement.
