Shakira reaches a deal to avoid trial for tax fraud

Shakira has reached a deal with Spanish authorities to avoid her trial for alleged tax fraud, which was due to start this Monday (20/11). The singer is accused of having evaded taxes for around 15 million euros (around 80 million Brazilian reals). The information was provided by the Reuters news agency.

In the agreement, Shakira had to accept the charges to preserve the well-being of her children, the result of her relationship with Gerard Piqué. The artist will have to pay a fine equal to 50% of the amount owed (around 7.3 million euros), as well as another 438 thousand euros to avoid a three-year prison sentence.

“Although I was determined to defend my innocence in a trial that my lawyers were confident would rule in my favor, I decided to finally resolve the matter with the best interests of my children at heart, who do not want to see their mother sacrifice your personal well-being in this fight,” Shakira told the BBC.

Shakira also stated that she needs to “overcome the stress and emotional exhaustion of the last few years so she can focus on her children and her career.” It is worth mentioning that the Colombian singer has tried several times to escape the legal issue.

Judicial process

The singer was accused by the Spanish court of having defrauded taxes of 6.6 million euros (about R$34.6 million) in 2018. The complaint was opened in July this year, but the details of the trial are were only revealed at the end of September.

The Spanish prosecutor’s office claims that Shakira did not declare her millionaire profits, such as the advance of the “El Dorado World Tour” and other payments. They also claim that the Colombian artist used “a corporate network”, with companies in tax havens, to evade taxes.

Shakira’s defense stated that they had not received notifications about the charges relating to the 2018 taxes in Miami (USA), where the singer currently lives. The artist’s legal team also said they were “focused on preparing for trial on tax years 2012-2014,” which was due to take place this Monday (11/20).

In 2022, the Public Prosecutor even asked for eight years in prison for Shakira, in addition to the payment of a fine of almost 24 million euros (more than R$ 120 million). The artist denies any tax irregularity and says it is a “persecution”.

Source: Terra

Earl

Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.