July 29, (THEWILL) – Columbian born singer, Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, popularly known as Shakira, could be jailed for up to eight years if she is found guilty of tax fraud.
The Grammy award winner was charged with failing to pay the Spanish government €14.5 million in taxes between 2012 and 2014, a period in which she said she did not live in Spain.
On Friday, prosecutors said they would ask a court to sentence the pop star to eight years and two months in prison, if she is convicted in her expected trial for alleged tax fraud.
The prosecutors also said they would also seek a fine of €24 million.
According to Reuter, prosecutors said in May 2012, that Shakira bought a house in Barcelona that became a family home for herself, her partner and their son, who was born in Spain in 2013.
Shakira is said to have rejected a settlement deal offered by prosecutors, opting to go to trial instead.
“Shakira has always cooperated and abided by the law, demonstrating impeccable conduct as an individual and a taxpayer, and faithfully following the counsel of PriceWaterhouse Coopers, a prestigious and globally recognised tax firm.
“Unfortunately, the Spanish Tax Office, which loses one out of every two lawsuits with its taxpayers, continues to violate her rights and pursue yet another baseless case.
“Shakira is confident that her innocence will be proven by the end of the judicial process”, her representative stated.
However, no date has been set for the trial.
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