Shakira could have a sentence of more than eight years in prison for tax fraud in Spain, which is why it will be faced in a judgment with the Spanish justice system next Monday, November 20.
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In addition to said sentence, the 46-year-old Colombian would have to pay a fine of more than 23 million eurossince he is accused of allegedly evade paying taxes between 2012 and 2014being a fraud of 14.5 million euros towards the Spanish Treasury.
So far, the views of both parties are opposite. On the one hand, the Prosecutor’s Office considers that the interpreter of “Waka Waka” or “Hips don’t lie” did not pay the taxes corresponding to income and assets in 2012, 2013 and 2014 at the timedespite the fact that he resided in Spain for more than the 183 days stipulated by law.
In its indictment, the Public Ministry, which in July filed a new complaint against him for other alleged tax irregularitiesstates that “with the desire not to pay taxes”, Shakira “used a corporate framework” already created, which included companies with headquarters in tax havens.
The The artist’s lawyers defend that she did not commit any wrongdoing since, despite having started a relationship in 2011 with the then FC Barcelona player Gerard Piqué, Shakira led a nomadic life due to her international career, and her tax residence was in the Bahamas.
According to her defense, the singer decided to settle in Barcelona shortly before the birth of her second child in January 2015.
“Ms. Mebarak has scrupulously complied with all her tax obligations in the multiple territories with which she has had professional ties,” they argued in the defense brief, recalling that Shakira, who now resides in Miami, has already paid 17.2 million to the Tax Agency for this cause“even without being satisfied”, and that nor have outstanding debts.
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Who will testify for Shakira in the fraud trial?
As part of the process that will take place between November and December with more than 10 sessions, the composer and performer of “Antología” called 117 people to the audience to serve as her witnesses, including her ex-husband, the Argentine businessman. Antonio de la Rúa.
Shakira and Antonio de la Rúa They were one of the most talked about couples at the time and it is well known that they did not remain on good terms. Both ended their relationship with lawsuits and, therefore, It is surprising that the Argentine businessman testifies in favor of the Colombian star.
Likewise, the Mexican Fernando Olverawho is part of the group Manna, is also on the businesswoman’s witness list. To the list of people who are going to testify on your behalf The chef of the Michelin-starred Barcelona restaurant Koy Shunka, Hideki Matsuhisa, the Spanish musical duo Estopa and the wife of former Barcelona player Patrick Kluivert, Rossana Kluivert, join.
In addition, they will pass through the Palace of Justice staff of establishments and services frequented by Colombiansas workers at a beauty center in Barcelona or a private driver who provided services to Shakira and her team, among others.
A total of four Zumba teachers and two more fitness teachers, two gynecologists from the TEKNON clinic in Barcelonaseveral hairdressers and hotel and restaurant staff, as well as friends and members of the artist’s team.
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The neighbors of the Colombian in Barcelona They will also pass through the Court to testify, both those from the bachelor apartment in Barcelona of his ex-partner, the Barça footballer Gerard Piqué, and those from the house that they both shared in the neighboring town of Esplugues de Llobregat.
With information from EFE and AFP