Shakira reaches a deal with Spanish prosecutors on the first day of tax fraud trial

Pop star Shakira has reached a last-minute deal with Spanish prosecutors on the first day of her tax fraud trial, accepting a suspended three-year sentence and a fine of 7 million euros.

Key Developments: Shakira admitted to six counts of failing to pay the Spanish government 14.5 million euros in taxes for the years 2012 to 2014.
* This deal culminated a trial that was expected to last several weeks with more than 100 witnesses but was instead adjourned after just eight minutes.
* The Colombian singer declared that her decision to accept the deal was in the ~~”best interest of her kids.”~~

Legal Details: Shakira’s case pivoted on her place of residence during 2012-2014.
* Prosecutors argued Shakira spent more than half that period in Spain and should have paid taxes on her worldwide income in the country, despite her official residence being in the Bahamas where tax rates are lower.
* Shakira’s defense claimed she hadn’t spent more than 60 days in a year inside Spain, adding she was often away on a world tour or in the U.S. for a music talent show, The Voice.

Context: This is the latest high-profile tax evasion case in Spain, following similar charges against soccer stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
* Shakira was named in the “Paradise Papers” leaks that detailed the offshore tax arrangements of numerous high-profile individuals.
* In a separate investigation, Shakira was charged with alleged evasion for 2018 income, using an offshore company to avoid tax.
View original article on NPR
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