Shakira Facing Second Tax Evasion Case In Spain For Allegedly Failing To Pay $7 Million In Taxes In 2018

Shakira Facing Second Tax Evasion Case In Spain For Allegedly Failing To Pay $7 Million In Taxes In 2018

Spanish prosecutors in Barcelona, Spain have officially charged Shakira with tax fraud once again.

According to reports, Columbian singer Shakira, 46, is facing fraud charges for allegedly failing to pay $7.1 million (6.7 million euros) in taxes on her 2018 income. Barcelona prosecutors reportedly accused Shakira, real name Shakira Ripoll, of using an offshore company located in a tax haven to avoid paying Spain’s income tax.

Shakira

Reports state that Shakira’s new charges come after Spanish authorities started an investigation in July linked to alleged fraud on the “Waka Waka” singer’s personal income tax and wealth tax in 2018. After reviewing the evidence in the tax case over the past two months, Spanish tax officials decided to pursue charges against the singer/songwriter.  A trial date has yet to be set for the new charges.

Meanwhile, Shakira is already set to stand trial in a tax evasion case for allegedly not paying the Spanish government 14.5 million euros ($15 million) in taxes from 2012 to 2014. She is facing more than eight years in prison over the alleged multimillion-dollar tax fraud. The “Hips Don’t Lie” artist reportedly rejected a settlement deal offered by Spanish prosecutors in the case of her alleged tax evasion in the amount of $15 million. The prosecutors said they would also seek a fine of 24 million euros ($24 million).

Shakira

However, Shakira claimed she spent most of her time living in her primary residence — a private island in the Bahamas which she co-owns with musician Roger Waters. They reportedly bought it in 2011 with the intent of turning it into a luxury artist retreat, but it appears the Spanish government believes it was actually a tax shelter. Shakira has denied any wrongdoing in the case. In addition, her public relations team said Shakira already paid the amount she owed, including 3 million euros in interest.

Shakira

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[Sources: 1, 2]