On Tuesday, a Spanish judge gave the all-ahead for Shakira, a Colombian pop singer, to go on trial for tax fraud. The artist was charged in 2018 by Spanish authorities with failing to pay 13.9 million euros ($14.5 million) in taxes on income generated between 2012 and 2014. If she is found guilty of tax evasion, prosecutors want to sentence her to eight years in prison and to pay a large fine.
The 45-year-old Shakira has vehemently denied any wrongdoing and rejected a plea agreement with the government to avoid going to trial. According to her PR firm, she has already paid off all of her debts as well as an additional 3 million euros ($2.8 million) in interest.
Also Read: Vladimir Putin declares a partial military mobilisation in Russia
Shakira’s Statement
In a statement, Shakira’s legal team reportedly promised to carry out their duties “by submitting arguments at the proper moment.”
Shakira recently stated, “I am certain that I have enough proof to support my case and that justice will prevail in my favour,” in an interview with the Spanish edition of Elle Magazine.
Shakira stated in an interview from last week that she was certain she had acted properly and owed nothing to the Spanish tax authority. "These allegations are untrue," she declared.
Also Read: US won’t abandon storm-struck Puerto Rico, Joe Biden vowed
Charges and Trails
Shakira will be charged with six charges of tax fraud, according to the court located in Esplugues de Llobregat, a town close to Barcelona. The trial’s start time has not yet been determined.
According to Reports, the argument depends on Shakira’s residences between 2012 and 2014. Although her official residency was in the Bahamas, Barcelona prosecutors claim that the Grammy winner spent more than half of that time in Spain and should have paid taxes there.
According to her attorneys, she moved to Spain permanently in 2015 and has complied with all of her tax obligations. She reportedly made the majority of her money from international tours up until 2014. According to the actress, she has paid 17.2 million euros in taxes to the Spanish government and has no unpaid bills.
Also Read: Who is Jalen Hill, Former UCLA Basketball player dies at 22 ?
Affect on Gerard Pique due to Fraud
Shakira has been linked to Spain since she started dating soccer player Gerard Pique in 2011. After 11 years of dating, the pair who had lived together in Barcelona recently called it quits. In June of this year, they both made their breakup public. Additionally, they are parents to two kids.
The custody of their children, Milan and Sasha, rests significantly on both of their parents. The defender is already in the lead because the children have only ever been raised in Spain; if the singer is called for a foul, he or she may have a better chance of winning.
Affect on other Athletes
In recent years, Spain authorities have taken down athletes who don’t pay their fair share of taxes, including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite being found guilty of evasion, neither received a prison sentence.
Also Read: Top 10 Richest Women in the World: Net Worth and Income
Thank you for reading. Leave us a comment if you liked it!
Don’t forget to follow us on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn
Have a Good Day ahead