Shakira to appeal judges decision to pave way for tax fraud trial
Barcelona, Jul 30 (EFE).- Shakira will appeal a Spanish judge’s decision paving the way for the Colombian singer to face trial for tax fraud.
On Thursday, judge Marco Jesús Juberías concluded a three year investigation saying there was “sufficient evidence” the singer had failed to pay up to 14.5 million euros in tax on income earned between 2012 and 2014.
The performer’s defense team confirmed to Efe Friday that it would appeal the judge’s decision, which they claimed was “legally unacceptable.”
In closing the investigations, the judge raised the possibility that the case between Shakira and Spain’s tax agency would be settled in a trial.
Shakira’s defense has claimed she was living in the Bahamas, where there is no income tax, and that she had only visited Spain “sporadically” in that time.
According to the judges court documents, seen by Spanish newspaper El Pais, the arguments from the two parties are “diametrically opposed.”
Anyone who remains in Spain for more than 183 days a year is considered a tax resident.
Shakira’s whereabouts between 2012-14 have been closely investigated by Spanish tax authorities via her credit card history.
Shakira’s partner is Barcelona player Gerard Pique. EFE
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