Criminal complaint against pop star Shakira for tax evasion “The crisis is not yet behind us”: the battle for scarce water in France has begun

In an investigation into alleged tax evasion against pop singer Shakira in Spain, the Public Prosecution Service has filed a criminal complaint. The request was submitted on Tuesday to the responsible investigating court in Esplugues de Llobregat near Barcelona.

This was reported by the Europa Press news agency. The Public Prosecution Service responsible for economic crimes accused the 46-year-old Colombian of tax debts of almost 6.7 million euros, it was said. A spokesperson for the judiciary confirmed this information upon request.

The investigation started in July following a report from the Tax Authorities about two possible violations in connection with income and wealth tax in 2018. An investigating judge must now decide whether the musician, who became famous with hits such as ‘Waka Waka’ and ‘ Hips Don’t Lie’, should also be in the dock in this tax case.

Shakira has had problems with the tax authorities and the judiciary in Spain for a long time. The singer will probably have to appear in court in Barcelona this year on charges of tax evasion worth a total of around 14.5 million euros between 2012 and 2014. The Public Prosecution Service is demanding a prison sentence of eight years and two months and a fine of 23.8 million euros. The trial will be conducted before the Audiencia Provincial de Barcelona, ​​which is equivalent to a regional court in Germany.

The artist has repeatedly protested her innocence. She claims that she was a tax resident of the Bahamas in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Moreover, she has now paid all taxes plus interest. In July last year, she therefore rejected an out-of-court settlement with the tax authorities in Spain – her adoptive home until she split with ex-football professional Gerard Piqué. Shakira has now moved to Miami with their sons Milan (10) and Sasha (8). (sda/dpa)