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Shakira to Stand Trial in Barcelona After Relocating to Miami with Her Sons Earlier This Year

by Kyla Cruz

Shakira is now facing a new tax investigation in Spain as authorities look into a second case of alleged tax fraud involving the singer.


While preparing for her trial over an existing tax fraud case, which pertains to alleged missed tax payments between 2012 and 2014, the 46-year-old "Hips Don't Lie" hitmaker received another blow as officials confirmed a separate investigation into possible tax fraud from 2018.

The inquiry will be conducted by a judge in the Esplugues de Llobregat region near Barcelona, the same court responsible for the initial investigation that is proceeding to trial. As a result, Shakira, who moved to Miami with her two sons earlier this year after parting ways with her former partner and soccer star Gerard Piqué, will have to return to Barcelona in November to face trial.


A spokesperson for Catalonia's High Court of Justice stated, "Court of Instruction Number 2 in Esplugues de Llobregat has opened a procedure following a complaint presented by prosecutors against the singer Shakira for two suspected tax crimes corresponding to her 2018 tax returns."


The Colombian pop star has been embroiled in a legal battle over allegations of failing to pay $14.7 million in taxes during her time in Spain from 2012 to 2014, a period she insists she was not residing in the country.

Image Credit: J. Countess / Contributor / Getty Images



Facing the threat of up to eight years in prison if found guilty, Shakira has described these times as the "darkest hours" of her life. Prosecutors maintain that she did indeed live in Spain during that period, pointing out her purchase of a home in Barcelona in May 2012, where she lived with Piqué and their first-born son, born in Spain in 2013.


While her official residence was in the Bahamas, prosecutors argue that Shakira spent most of her time in Spain.


If found guilty during the November trial, Shakira may face a fine of $23.5 million in addition to jail time. The singer has repeatedly asserted her innocence, claiming that "Spanish tax authorities do this often" to celebrities and treat regular taxpayers unjustly.


Shakira, a globally acclaimed artist with over 80 million records sold worldwide, also stated that she previously settled a $17.5 million debt with the Spanish tax office and believes she doesn't owe them anything more.

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