Spanish court investigates Shakira for alleged Tax fraud

Madrid: A Spanish court has launched a new investigation into Colombian music icon Shakira for alleged income tax fraud. Already facing trial later this year for unpaid taxes between 2012 and 2014, the 46-year-old singer is now under scrutiny for two possible cases of tax fraud from 2018. Prosecutors are seeking an eight-year prison sentence and a fine of 24 million euros in the first case.

The court's statement does not disclose further details about the investigation, but it centers on Shakira's residency status during the mentioned period. Prosecutors claim she moved to Spain in 2011 but maintained her official tax residency in the Bahamas until 2015.

Shakira's defense maintains that she earned most of her income from international tours until 2014 and only became a full-time resident of Spain in 2015, fulfilling all tax obligations. The singer denies any wrongdoing and disputes owing anything to the Spanish tax office.

Shakira and Gerard Pique, with whom she has two children, ended their 11-year relationship last year. The singer announced on Instagram in April that she and her children were officially leaving Barcelona in search of stability elsewhere.

Shakira's name was implicated in the "Pandora Papers," a massive leak of financial documents in October 2021, connecting her as a public figure to offshore assets.

Despite the legal challenges, Shakira's music continues to resonate globally, with hits like "Whenever, Wherever" and "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)" showcasing her signature mix of Latin and Arabic rhythms.