Shakira Hit With New Tax Evasion Charges Amid $13.9 Million Fraud Trial

Shakira's legal troubles continue as she gets hit with new charges.

The extra case emerges amidst an already ongoing trial involving over 14.5 million euros in back taxes owed from 2012 to 2014. Known for her captivating performances and philanthropic work, the international superstar now faces heightened scrutiny over her financial affairs. 

On Thursday, the Spanish court announced that the Colombian singer is now under another investigation for alleged income and wealth tax fraud in 2018. According to Reuter, the court in the town of Esplugues de Llobregat, near Barcelona, issued a statement.

However, no further details were provided in the message, and the prosecutor did not respond immediately to a request for comment. The 46-year-old's legal team reportedly expressed that she had not been formally notified about the new case and had only learned about it through the media. They noted:

"The singer's legal team will not make any comment until the notification reaches her through the formal and legally established channel."

Additionally, they clarified that the "Whenever, Wherever" songstress was 'currently residing in Miami, and any notifications must be personally delivered to her new address." They further reiterated the mother-of-two's position, emphasizing:

"As she has already stated on numerous occasions, Shakira asserts that she has always acted in accordance with the law and under the advice of the best tax experts. She is now focused on her artistic life in Miami and is calm and confident that her tax affairs will be resolved favorably." 

Already embroiled in legal proceedings, the "Hips Don't Lie" artist's long-awaited trial draws near as legal sources reported that a court in Barcelona had scheduled it for November 20th. 

The upcoming trial at the courthouse has been planned for 12 sessions, spanning from November to December, and involves approximately 200 witnesses. If found guilty, the Spanish government seeks an eight-year and two-month prison sentence for the record producer. 

However, a shortened trial is possible if Shakira reaches a last-minute agreement with the Public Prosecutor's and State Attorney's offices. By acknowledging the fraud, she may have the option to accept a reduced sentence. 

The extensive number of witnesses is the primary reason behind the scheduling of 12 sessions for the trial. This is because the State Attorney's Office proposed 100 witnesses, 30 from the Prosecutor's Office and 60 from the defense. 

To accommodate the dancer's presence during the proceedings, the judge requested that she be in court only on the day she is scheduled to testify and on the final day.  

In a statement released last year, Shakira's team vehemently defended her innocence before the impending trial. They expressed their firm belief that the case was a clear violation of her rights.

They added, "Since she has always shown impeccable behavior, as a person and taxpayer, and total willingness to resolve any disagreement from the beginning, even before the criminal proceeding." 

Last week it was reported that Shakira would be a part of Lionel Messi's Inter Miami grand debut. In case you are not aware, the football star and the "Ugly Betty" star's ex-partner Gerard Piqué used to be teammates.

The actress and the 36-year-old, who share two children, ended their relationship last June amid rumors of infidelity on Piqué's part. According to reports, Inter Miami promised "exciting entertainment" at Messi's unveiling on Sunday, July 16th, and the "El Dorado" singer's potential performance added to the anticipation surrounding the event.

Journalist Franco Panzio reported that Shakira could be a featured artist at the event, which took place at Miami's home stadium, DRV PNK Stadium. Alongside the star, there were rumors that Bad Bunny and Maluma would perform during the highly anticipated unveiling. 

Since her move to the US, she has been the subject of various romantic rumors with several A-list celebrities. In particular, rumors of a relationship between her and Tom Cruise gained significant traction after the Formula 1 race in Miami this past May.  

She was also seen on a dinner date with Lewis Hamilton weeks after they were spotted having a great time together at the 2023 Grand Prix in Miami.