Global pop sensation Shakira is set to appear in a Barcelona court on the first day of her trial for allegedly defrauding Spanish tax officials of millions of euros.
The 46-year-old singer, a multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy winner, faces six counts of failing to pay 14.5 million euros in taxes between 2012 and 2014. Shakira, who denies any wrongdoing, contends she paid everything she owed.
The trial centers on her residence during that period, with prosecutors arguing she should have paid taxes in Spain despite her official residence being in the Bahamas.
The trial, led by a three-judge panel, is scheduled to conclude on Dec. 14. Prosecutors seek an 8-year, two-month prison sentence and a 24 million euro fine. Shakira declined a settlement offer in July 2022, expressing her belief in innocence. The trial follows the “Paradise Papers” leaks, linking her to offshore tax arrangements. Her defense asserts she did not meet the criteria for fiscal residency in Spain during the specified period.
In a separate case, she faces charges for alleged tax evasion on her 2018 income.
The trial marks Spain’s continued crackdown on tax evasion, previously targeting soccer stars like Messi and Ronaldo. Despite recent personal changes, Shakira expressed gratitude to her Spanish fans after triumphing at the Latin Grammy Awards gala in Seville.
