Shakira Charged With Spanish Tax Evasion

Colombian pop star Shakira has been charged with defrauding the Spanish tax authorities of over 12 million EUR and has been called to appear in court in June.

The court of the municipality of Esplugues de Llobregat in the province of Barcelona in Spain, where the 42-year-old artist lives, has accepted the lawsuit against the Colombian singer Shakira for alleged fraud against the tax office.

According to local media, the artist and partner of Barcelona footballer Gerard Pique has been called to give a statement in court as an investigated person on 12th June.

In December, the Prosecutors Office presented a lawsuit against Shakira for allegedly defrauding more than 14.5 million EUR (12.59 GBP) by hiding her legal residence through 14 communities in countries such as the Cayman Islands, the British Virgin Islands and Panama.

The Public Prosecution Office requested that she be investigated for six crimes against the tax office between 2012 and 2014.

The singer reportedly defended herself by claiming that she has paid everything that was demanded from the tax office and that she is ‘not in debt to the State’.

She also reportedly added that she will continue to cooperate with the court.