Shakira Accused Of Owing $7 Million In Second Spanish Tax Fraud Case

A Spanish prosecutor has filed an additional tax claim against renowned Colombian singer Shakira, accusing her of defrauding the state of 6.6 million euros ($7.0 million) in 2018.

This comes in addition to the ongoing case in which Shakira is set to go to trial in November in Barcelona, where she faces accusations of failing to pay 14.5 million euros in taxes for the period 2012–2014, potentially leading to up to eight years in jail.

Shakira Accused of Owing $7 Million in Second Spanish Tax Fraud Case

In the latest case, the prosecutor alleges that in 2018, Shakira did not declare profits of $12.5 million, including an advance payment for her El Dorado World Tour. Shakira, 46, who is known as the Queen of Latin Pop and has achieved global record sales, is accused of failing to pay 5.4 million euros in income tax, with an additional 6.0 million euros factoring in accrued interest and voluntary payments. She also faces allegations of defrauding the state of 773,600 euros in wealth tax, resulting in a debt of 625,190 euros.

Shakira's legal team responded by stating that they had not received any notification of the new case in Miami, where the singer is currently based. They emphasised that their primary focus is on preparing for the upcoming trial for the 2012–2014 fiscal years, scheduled to commence on November 20.  Shakira had declined a previous settlement offer from prosecutors, expressing confidence in her transparent and lawful behaviour throughout the process.

Prosecutors claim Shakira spent over half of that period in Spain and should have paid taxes in the country. They argue that she relocated to Spain in 2011 when her relationship with FC Barcelona defender Gerard Pique became public, but she maintained official tax residency in the Bahamas until 2015.

Shakira's legal team contends that until 2014, her primary source of income was international tours, and she only became a full-time resident of Spain in 2015, emphasising that she has fulfilled all her tax obligations.

Shakira and Pique resided together in Barcelona until last year, when they ended their 11-year relationship, and they share two children.

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