Pop superstar Shakira has emerged victorious from a legal battle in Spain, with prosecutors dropping charges of tax evasion due to a lack of evidence. This article delves into the details of the case, the accusations, Shakira’s defense, and the ongoing tax dispute surrounding her residency in Spain.
A Case of Insufficient Evidence
In July 2023, Spanish prosecutors launched an investigation into Shakira’s tax situation. The accusation centered on her alleged use of shell companies and tax havens to avoid paying €6.6 million in taxes owed for the year 2018.
Despite initially facing a potential criminal trial, the tide turned in Shakira’s favor. On Wednesday, prosecutors themselves requested the case be dismissed, citing a lack of evidence to support the accusations of “intent to defraud” the Spanish government.
The following day, the court agreed with the prosecution’s assessment. While acknowledging “irregularities” in Shakira’s tax filing, the court ruled that the evidence presented wasn’t enough to constitute a criminal offense. This decision effectively ends the criminal aspect of the case.
Shakira’s defense attorney, Pau Molins, hailed the court’s decision as a victory against “a smear campaign” waged by Spanish tax authorities. He emphasized Shakira’s satisfaction at the court recognizing her lack of criminal wrongdoing.
A Residency Dispute Lingers
While the criminal charges have been dropped, Shakira’s tax troubles in Spain aren’t entirely over. An administrative dispute concerning her residency status in 2011 remains unresolved. Spanish tax law requires residency for more than 183 days in a year to be liable for taxes.
Shakira’s legal team maintains she spent only 70 days in Spain during 2011. This dispute highlights the complexities of tax residency for international celebrities like Shakira.
A Legacy of Legal Battles
This isn’t Shakira’s first encounter with Spanish tax authorities. In 2022, she faced a potential eight-year jail sentence over alleged tax evasion involving income from 2012 and 2014.
Prosecutors claimed Shakira, then in a relationship with Barcelona footballer Gerard Piqué, was a resident of Spain during this period, making her liable for taxes on her global income. Shakira refuted these claims, insisting she only became a resident in 2015.
To avoid a lengthy trial, Shakira opted to settle with Spanish tax authorities. This involved a significant financial penalty – €7.8 million in addition to taxes already paid.
A Look Ahead
Shakira currently resides in Miami with her two children. While the criminal charges have been dropped, the residency dispute with Spanish authorities remains unresolved. This case serves as a reminder of the intricate tax regulations that celebrities with international lifestyles must navigate.
