International Pop Star Shakira Heads To Trial In Spain On Tax Fraud Charges
Following her recent triumph at the Latin Grammys, Colombian pop sensation Shakira is now gearing up for a trial in Barcelona on Monday, accused of defrauding Spain’s tax office of 14.5 million euros.
Prosecutors are seeking a jail term of eight years and two months, accompanied by a hefty fine of nearly 24 million euros ($24 million).
The 46-year-old singer, now residing in Miami with her two sons Milan and Sasha, denies any wrongdoing and has declined a plea deal with prosecutors, paving the way for the trial scheduled to commence on Monday at 10:00 am.
The prosecution alleges that Shakira spent more than half of the relevant period in Spain and, therefore, should have fulfilled her tax obligations in the country.
It is asserted that she relocated to Spain after her relationship with FC Barcelona defender Gerard Pique became public in 2011 but maintained official tax residency in the Bahamas until 2015.
In response, Shakira’s legal team argues that until 2014, she led a “nomadic life” primarily earning income from international tours.
They contend that her permanent move to Barcelona occurred just before the birth of her second son in January 2015.
The high-profile trial is anticipated to involve nearly 120 witnesses and is scheduled to run until December 14, shedding light on the complexities surrounding the singer’s tax affairs and bringing attention to a case that has garnered significant public interest.
