Shakira is wanted by Spanish prosecutors. In her continuing criminal tax fraud case, the prosecutors informed the court on Friday that if the Colombian diva is found guilty of tax fraud, she should serve an eight-year and two-month term. Prosecutors also requested a whopping 20 million euro fine in addition to the extended prison sentence.
The 45-year-old global superstar was accused by Barcelona prosecutors in 2018 of failing to pay the Spanish tax office €14.5 million (£12.18 million) for revenue received between 2012 and 2014.
The Spanish courts will now need to decide whether to have a trial and select a date based on her answer to the prosecution, both of which have not yet been determined.
The Colombian pop diva said earlier this week that she was choosing to go to trial rather than accept a bargain.
In a statement to Billboard, public relations agency Llorente y Cuenca said that Shakira “trusts her innocence and chose to put the problem in the hands of the authorities.”
She allegedly deposited the sum she is said to owe with the Spanish Tax Agency and has no outstanding tax debts, according to the public relations firm.
After a three-year investigation, a Spanish judge this year concluded that there were “sufficient indicators” for Shakira’s alleged activities.
The ‘Waka Waka’ singer is accused of committing six alleged tax crimes, and the prosecution is reportedly seeking an eight-year prison sentence if found guilty.
Judge Marco Jesús Juberías said: “Isabel Mebarak Ripoll stopped paying taxes in Spain during the years 2012, 2013, and 2014, despite having an obligation to do so because she has her tax residence here.”
Shakira shifted to Barcelona in 2011 with her long-term partner Gerard Piqué. The couple announced they had split in June via a statement released by the singer’s agency, which read: “We regret to confirm that we are parting ways.
“For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy. Thank you for your understanding.”
Following Shakira’s revelation, one of her devoted fans wondered if the relationship problems between the couple were hinted at in the song “Te Felicito (I Congratulate You)” by Shakira.
The Columbian artist’s first release of 2022, “Te Felicito,” features the Puerto Rican rapper and vocalist Rauw Alejandro.
The lyrics read: [Translation] “To complete you, I broke into pieces/ They warned me, but I didn’t listen/ I realized that your love is false/ It was the final drop that tipped over the glass.”
Shakira then sang about an apology that ‘seems sincere’ but she knows is a ‘lie’.
“I congratulate you, how well you act, of that, I have no doubt/ Your script continues. That show suits you well,” the song continues.
Since then, viewers have rushed to the music video under the impression that Shakira was using her most recent song to send ‘signals’.
One claimed: “[Translation] If I’m honest, this song didn’t catch my attention and I’m a super fan of Shakira’s. But look at these lyrics. If I paid attention to it today, it perfectly describes the situation she is apparently experiencing.
“Something that is consistent with everything that can be felt after a betrayal, a description worthy of it. I imagine the pain she must have felt but at the same time the courage to move on.”
According to Reuters, Shakira has claimed that she has paid the 17.2 million euros she owed the Spanish government since the tax fraud claims were filed in 2018.
Shakira’s ex-husband Gerard Piqué was hit with a 2 million euro fine in 2019 for tax evasion between 2008 and 2010.
Source: unilad.co
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