- she already faces for purportedly evading taxes amounting to $16.2 million for the years 2012, 2013, and 2014.
- The Colombian-born artist, now residing in Miami, has previously denied the tax fraud charges
BARCELONA:A judge in Barcelona has initiated a second investigation into Grammy-winning singer Shakira’s alleged tax fraud, as revealed by the Higher Court of Justice of Catalonia on Thursday. The investigation stems from a complaint filed by prosecutors, accusing Shakira of two alleged counts of tax fraud in 2018, adding to the existing trial she faces for purportedly evading taxes amounting to $16.2 million for the years 2012, 2013, and 2014.
The Colombian-born artist, now residing in Miami, has previously denied the tax fraud charges related to the period of 2012 to 2014, asserting her innocence through her public relations firm.
On Thursday, Shakira’s public relations team restated the singer’s innocence, emphasizing her adherence to the law and guidance from tax experts. The statement came in response to news of a second investigation into alleged tax fraud in 2018, following the ongoing trial for tax evasion concerning the years 2012 to 2014, amounting to $16.2 million.
The Colombian-born artist, now based in Miami, remains focused on her artistic pursuits and is confident in a favorable resolution to her tax affairs. Her legal team expects formal notification of the latest investigation to be delivered at her Miami residence.
In July 2021, a judge ruled that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial for the alleged tax evasion during 2012, 2013, and 2014. The judge argued that Shakira spent more than 200 days in Spain each year, making her liable for taxes in the country. Shakira’s team had argued that her main residence was in the Bahamas, but it was reported that she had a home near Barcelona with her former partner, Gerard Piqué.
The judge further alleged that Shakira and a financial adviser utilized companies in offshore tax havens to conceal the sources of her income during those years. Despite the ongoing legal challenges, Shakira remains steadfast in her assertion of innocence.
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, known professionally as Shakira, has had a close association with Spain since her relationship with retired soccer player Gerard Pique began. The couple, who share two children, resided together in Barcelona until their separation last year, after an 11-year partnership.
Over the past decade, Spain has taken a tough stance on tax evasion, targeting prominent soccer figures like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Both players faced charges of evasion but managed to avoid imprisonment due to a provision that allows judges to waive sentences below two years for first-time offenders. This crackdown highlights the authorities’ commitment to ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their celebrity status, fulfill their tax obligations.
