Shakira vehemently denies fresh allegations of tax fraud leveled against her in Spain, marking the latest twist in an ongoing legal saga.
The Colombian singer, speaking via video call from Miami, refuted accusations of defrauding the Spanish Treasury of 6.6 million euros, asserting her innocence before a judge as part of her second investigation for alleged tax crimes.
Legal sources reveal that Shakira challenged the assertions of the Barcelona Prosecutor's Office, which alleges that she utilized "a corporate network" to evade taxes in 2018. However, her defense contends that she had already settled the disputed amount several months prior, dismissing the accusations as baseless.
This latest legal entanglement follows Shakira's agreement to pay a hefty fine of 7.8 million euros last November, which served as a resolution to a separate case involving alleged tax evasion totaling 14.5 million euros between 2012 and 2014. By reaching this settlement, the singer avoided the specter of imprisonment in connection with the earlier allegations.
In a bid to preempt further legal ramifications, Shakira proactively reimbursed the sum purportedly defrauded last August, a move aimed at mitigating potential repercussions should she be found guilty again. This strategic maneuver played a pivotal role in brokering the agreement with the Prosecutor's Office and staving off incarceration, albeit at a significant financial cost.
The charges against Shakira stem from allegations that she defrauded 5.3 million euros from income generated by her 2018 El Dorado tour and the transfer of her intellectual property rights, alongside an additional 773,600 euros related to her real estate and financial assets. Prosecutors assert that she manipulated tax returns, omitting income and inflating expenses to minimize her tax liability.
Central to the allegations is the accusation that Shakira utilized offshore companies in Luxembourg and Spain to funnel income and expenses, thereby creating a façade of compliance while evading taxes. Prosecutors contend that these entities lacked genuine business activity and were established solely for the purpose of tax avoidance.
As Shakira continues to navigate the complexities of the Spanish legal system, the specter of further litigation looms large. Despite her steadfast denials, the outcome of these proceedings remains uncertain, casting a shadow over the singer's professional and personal endeavors.
.webp)
