Shakira Under Investigation for Alleged Tax Fraud: A Detailed Account

In a series of developing events, Grammy-winning singer Shakira finds herself embroiled in multiple allegations of tax fraud in Spain. A Barcelona judge has launched a second investigation into claims of tax fraud perpetrated by the Colombian-born singer in 2018. This investigation revealed on Thursday, follows Shakira’s pending trial for alleged tax evasion to the tune of $16.2 million between 2012 and 2014.

First Trial Background

In the first case, Shakira is accused of evading tax payments over three consecutive years – 2012, 2013, and 2014. The investigation magistrate, based in the Barcelona suburb of Esplugues de Llobregat, declared in 2021 that the case held “sufficient evidence” to proceed with a trial. Shakira has fervently denied all accusations, expressing confidence in the transparency of her tax affairs. Key points from the initial case include:

• Shakira’s defense claims her main residence during the alleged evasion years was in the Bahamas.
• Contrary to this, Spanish authorities argue that Shakira resided in Spain for over 200 days each year, thus legally bound to pay Spanish taxes.
• Shakira and a financial adviser are alleged to have used off-shore tax havens to hide her income sources.
• The singer is expected to stand trial in the autumn of this year.

Second Investigation

The Reuters report indicates that the second investigation concerns alleged fraud on Shakira’s personal income tax and wealth tax in 2018. The exact monetary amount in question remains undisclosed. Details of the second investigation:

• The Spanish court opened the second case following a complaint by the Barcelona Economic Crimes Prosecutor regarding Shakira allegedly defrauding the Tax Agency.
• Shakira’s representative reiterated her stance of always acting in accordance with the law and under the advice of the best tax experts.
• The formal notification of the second probe is yet to reach Shakira in Miami, her current residence.

Shakira’s Stand

Shakira’s public relations firm, Llorente y Cuenca, stated that the singer had “always acted in concordance with the law and on the advice of her financial advisers.” The singer, currently focused on her artistic career in Miami, remains confident in a favorable resolution of her fiscal issues. Shakira has consistently cooperated with the law and demonstrated exemplary conduct as an individual and taxpayer, according to her representatives. She has faithfully followed the counsel of PriceWaterhouseCoopers, a prestigious and globally recognized tax firm. Despite the ongoing legal battles, the singer maintains her innocence, believing it will be proven by the end of the judicial process.

Consequences

If Shakira is found guilty in the first case, she potentially faces an eight-year sentence in addition to a significant fine. The singer rejected a settlement offer in July 2022 that would have resolved the case out of court. As for the second case, the legal and financial consequences are yet to be specified.

Shakira’s Life Amidst Legal Turmoil

The “She Wolf” singer relocated to Miami with her two sons, Milan, 10, and Sasha, 8, following a split from former FC-Barcelona player Gerard Piqué. Shakira is reportedly focusing on her artistic career while awaiting formal notification about the latest tax fraud investigation. Her legal team insists that all notifications should reach her at her new Miami residence, in strict accordance with the law. In the face of the controversy, Shakira remains calm, concentrating on her professional pursuits and awaiting a favorable resolution of her fiscal issues.