Settlement in the criminal tax proceedings against Shakira
An out-of-court settlement has been reached in the criminal tax proceedings against pop singer Shakira shortly before the start of the trial in Spain. The Colombian ("Waka Waka", "Hips Don't Lie") admitted to tax evasion totaling 14.5 million euros in the years 2012 to 2014 before the district court in Barcelona on Monday, contrary to her previous stance. She thus escaped the prison sentence of eight years and two months demanded by the public prosecutor's office.
However, the 46-year-old will have to pay a fine of several million euros in addition to the back taxes she has already paid, details of which are yet to be officially announced.
Shakira appeared in person in court on Monday in a pink trouser suit. "Let's go", she simply said to the numerous journalists in attendance before entering the courthouse. The settlement was then announced.
Until now, Shakira had repeatedly protested her innocence and even accused the tax authorities of "blackmail". She had always maintained that she had been resident in the Bahamas during the years in question. And she had only repeatedly visited her then partner and soccer star Gerard Piqué, with whom she has two children and from whom she is now separated, in Spain.
She only lived in Barcelona permanently from 2015 onwards. In addition, she has since paid all taxes plus interest totaling 17.2 million euros.
People around the world were shocked by the news of Shakira's settlement in the criminal tax proceedings, given her popularity in music processes. Regardless of the admission of tax evasion, the significant fines and back taxes paid by Shakira will contribute to reducing the amount of crime related to taxes in Spain.
Source: www.dpa.com
