Shakira Settles Tax Fraud Case in Spain
Pop sensation Shakira has struck a deal in her criminal tax proceedings in Spain, avoiding trial just days before it was set to begin. The Colombian musician, known for hits like "Waka Waka" and "Hips Don't Lie," admitted to evading taxes totaling around 14.5 million euros between 2012 and 2014, contrary to her initial stance.
Shakira, now 46, will face fines worth several million euros in addition to the back taxes she's already paid, although the exact figures are yet to be revealed. Dressed in a pink trouser suit, she made a brief statement to reporters before entering the courthouse in Barcelona, simply saying, "Let's go."
Until recently, Shakira continued to contest her innocence, even accusing tax authorities of blackmail. She argued that she resided in the Bahamas during the years in question and only visited her ex-partner, Gerard Piqué, in Spain. Shakira moved to Barcelona permanently from 2015 and has since paid an additional 17.2 million euros in taxes and interest.
News of Shakira's settlement has sparked global reactions given her widespread popularity in the music industry. Despite the tax evasion admission, the sizable fines and back taxes Shakira has paid will contribute significantly to reducing tax-related crime in Spain.
Additional Insights:
Shakira agreed to pay a total of $15.8 million in fines as part of the settlement. This consists of $7 million in fines, an additional $8 million to avoid jail time, and $0.8 million in back taxes for the years 2012–2014. Initially, both the Spanish media and her legal team reported $13.9 million in taxes due, but they eventually reached an agreement for over $15.8 million in fines and back taxes[1][2].
[1] www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-61252623 [2] www.vanguardngr.com/2022/06/shakira-will-pay-8-million-euros-to-avoid-jail-time-in-tax-scale-fraud-case/
