Pop star Shakira reaches a deal with Spanish prosecutors on the first day of tax fraud trial

Renowned pop star Shakira has reached an agreement with Spanish prosecutors, bringing an unexpected resolution to her tax fraud trial in Barcelona on its opening day. After previously maintaining her innocence for nearly five years, Shakira chose to accept the terms negotiated with the prosecutors. This agreement entails her acknowledgment of six counts of failing to pay 14.5 million euros (approximately $15.8 million) in taxes to the Spanish government between 2012 and 2014.

As per the terms of the deal, Shakira will receive a suspended three-year sentence and be required to pay a fine of 7.3 million euros ($8 million). Additionally, she will make another payment of 432,000 euros ($472,000) in exchange for her suspended sentence. This resolution led to the trial being abruptly called off, which would have originally included testimony from over 100 witnesses spanning several weeks.

Prosecutors had initially sought a much harsher punishment, including an eight-year, two-month prison sentence and a fine of 24 million euros ($26 million). This legal battle centered on Shakira’s residence during the disputed period from 2012 to 2014. Prosecutors argued that, despite her official residence being in the Bahamas, Shakira had spent more than half of her time in Spain and should have paid taxes on her worldwide income there. The Bahamas’ significantly lower tax rates had seemingly incentivized her offshore tax arrangement.

In a statement issued through her public relations firm, Shakira expressed her rationale for settling the case: “I have made the decision to finally resolve this matter with the best interest of my kids at heart who do not want to see their mom sacrifice her personal well-being in this fight.” She emphasized her desire to move past the stress and emotional toll of recent years and focus on her family and career.

Shakira had previously declined a settlement offer from prosecutors in July 2022, citing her belief in her innocence and her trust in the legal process. Her inclusion in the “Paradise Papers” leaks had shed light on her offshore tax arrangements, similar to other high-profile individuals in the music industry.

While this particular trial has concluded, Shakira still faces a separate investigation related to alleged tax evasion of 6.7 million euros on her 2018 income. It is evident that her legal troubles with Spain’s tax authorities are not yet fully resolved.

In closing, the pop sensation, whose full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, has experienced a tumultuous journey through the Spanish legal system, ultimately choosing to settle the tax fraud case to prioritize her family and career.

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More about Shakira Tax Fraud Settlement

• BBC News – Shakira reaches deal with Spanish prosecutors on tax fraud trial
• Reuters – Shakira reaches deal to end tax fraud trial in Spain
• The Guardian – Shakira strikes deal with Spanish prosecutors to end tax fraud trial
• CNN – Shakira reaches agreement to settle tax fraud case in Spain