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The pop star is accused of failing to pay the Spanish government €14.5 million in taxes between 2012 and 2014.
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Associated Press
Associated Press
Spanish prosecutors are seeking an eight-year prison sentence for Colombian-born pop star Shakira in her expected trial for alleged tax fraud. Photo by David J. Philip / Files / Associated Press
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MADRID — Prosecutors in Spain said Friday they will ask a court to sentence Colombian pop star Shakira to eight years and two months in prison if she is convicted in an expected trial for alleged tax fraud.
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Shakira, whose full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, is accused of failing to pay the Spanish government 14.5 million euros (C$18.92 million) in taxes between 2012 and 2014. Prosecutors said they would also seek a fine of €24 million (C$31.31 million).
The indictment details six charges against Shakira. The singer this week rejected a plea deal offered by prosecutors, opting instead to go to trial. A trial date has not yet been set.
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Her publicists in London said in a statement Friday that Shakira “has always cooperated and complied with the law, demonstrating impeccable conduct as an individual and taxpayer.” The publicists accused the Spanish tax agency of violating her rights.
Shakira’s Spanish PR team said earlier this week that the singer had deposited the amount she was allegedly owed, including 3 million euros in interest.
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Prosecutors in Barcelona allege the Grammy winner spent more than half of each year between 2012 and 2014 in Spain and had to pay taxes in the country.
Shakira recently ended an 11-year relationship with FC Barcelona star Gerard Pique, with whom she has two children. The family lived in Barcelona.
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