Popular singer Shakira’s legal team has vehemently criticized Spanish prosecutors after the Colombian artist allegedly discovered a new tax fraud lawsuit against her “through the media.” The lawyers assert that Shakira has consistently adhered to the law and denies any wrongdoing regarding her 2018 tax affairs, for which she has yet to receive any formal notification of investigation.
This recent probe comes in addition to a separate case where Shakira is set to face trial later this year, involving alleged back taxes amounting to over 14.5 million euros between 2012 and 2014. If the new investigation concerns similar earnings, she could potentially face another multi-million-pound tax battle.
The prosecution in the 2012-2014 case is reportedly seeking a significant prison term for the acclaimed artist. However, Shakira remains resolute in her stance, refusing to seek a last-minute deal with Spanish state prosecutors and declaring her intention to fight the accusations in court.
According to reports, the new investigation will be conducted by a judge at a court in Esplugues de Llobregat, the same court that initiated the earlier probe, which ultimately led to her trial.
Shakira’s legal representatives expressed frustration at the lack of official notification, pointing out that she now resides in Miami and must be formally served according to the law. They emphasize that she has always acted in compliance with expert tax advice and confidently anticipates a favourable resolution of her tax issues.
The upcoming trial will undoubtedly place Shakira under intense scrutiny once again. The singer had previously condemned Spanish tax authorities before relocating to Miami, accusing them of unjustly targeting her and attempting to harm her reputation to force a settlement agreement.
The case revolves around Shakira’s residency status in Spain, with tax authorities claiming she spent more time in the country than she declared during the years in question. Despite having registered as a full-time tax resident in Spain in 2015, they allege she spent significantly more days in the country during the period under investigation.
Shakira’s tax trial is scheduled to commence on November 20, lasting over 12 sessions. As the legal battle unfolds, the music icon maintains her assertion of being a law-abiding taxpayer with no prior tax problems in any jurisdiction, relying on reputable advisors throughout her career.
