Shakira at the screening of “Elvis” during the 75th annual Cannes film festival at Palais des Festivals on May 25, 2022, in Cannes, France. Photo: CBS News
Shakira, a Colombian singing diva, faces up to eight years and two months in prison if she is found guilty of taxfraud as Spanish prosecutors prepare for her trial.
Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll is accused of failing to pay 14.5 million euros ($15 million) in taxes to the Spanish government between 2012and 2014.
According to CBS News, the prosecution said they will also pursue a fine of 24 million euros.
The singing diva is accused with six crimes, according to the indictment.
The Colombian star this week turned down a plea bargain from prosecution and close to go to trial instead.
A trial date is yet to be fixed.
According to a statement by her publicists in London on Friday said Shakira “has always cooperated and abided by the law, demonstrating impeccable conduct as an individual and a taxpayer.” The publicists also accuse the Spanish Tax Agency of violating her rights.
Shakira has deposited the sum she is alleged to owe, along with 3 million euros in interest, according to her Spanish public relations staff, who made the announcement earlier this week.
The Grammy winner allegedly should have paid taxes in Spain as she spent more than half of each year between 2012 and 2014 there, according to Barcelona prosecutors.
Writing by Muzha Kucha