Shakira
Shakira, the renowned Colombian singer, finds herself entangled in a second tax fraud case in Spain, less than a year after being ordered to stand trial in a separate $13.9 million tax evasion case.
On July 20, a Spanish court in the town of Esplugues de Llobregat, near Barcelona, announced the initiation of a new investigation against the pop star.
According to InTouch Weekly, the new investigation centers around alleged tax fraud related to Shakira’s personal income tax and wealth tax filings for the year 2018.
The investigation was launched after a complaint was issued by the Barcelona Economic Crimes Prosecutor, accusing Shakira of defrauding the Spanish Tax Agency. The prosecutor’s office filed a complaint alleging two tax crimes against the singer in this new case.
In September 2024, Shakira opted to settle the previous $15 million tax fraud case. She stated that her decision was driven by a desire to protect her two sons rather than out of “cowardice or guilt.”
In a statement to El Mundo, Shakira explained, “I did it to protect my children and to get on with my life.” The settlement brought an end to a lengthy legal battle that could have resulted in significant consequences for the singer.
The first case against Shakira was linked to her residency status between 2012 and 2014. Prosecutors in Barcelona argued that she had spent more than half of that period living in Spain and, therefore, was required to pay taxes in the country on income earned during those years.
The authorities claimed that Shakira owed €14.5 million, equivalent to $13.9 million, in taxes. Despite these allegations, Shakira had initially refused a settlement offer in July 2022, which would have allowed her to resolve the matter out of court. Instead, she maintained her innocence and chose to fight the charges.
However, facing mounting legal pressure, Shakira decided to cut a plea deal with the Spanish government just one day before her trial was set to begin on November 21.
As part of the deal, she agreed to pay $7.6 million and accepted a three-year suspended sentence, effectively avoiding a lengthy court battle and possible jail time.
This new investigation adds another layer of complexity to Shakira’s ongoing legal troubles in Spain.
The accusations from the Barcelona Economic Crimes Prosecutor’s office suggest that the legal scrutiny of her financial affairs is far from over.
As Shakira continues to manage her career and personal life, these legal battles could have significant implications for her future, both professionally and personally.
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