In a new development, Shakira faces a second tax fraud case in Spain, following an earlier $13.9 million tax evasion trial. Details on the new case, including the amount she allegedly owes and her response to these claims, are available below.
The new allegations against Shakira involve purported fraud related to her personal income and wealth taxes for 2018. On July 20, a court in Esplugues de Llobregat near Barcelona began investigating these claims, which emerged after the Barcelona Economic Crimes Prosecutor accused her of defrauding the Tax Agency.
The new case follows her earlier $13.9 million tax evasion trial linked to her 2012–2014 residency
Spanish prosecutors have charged Shakira with failing to pay 6.7 million euros—approximately $7.1 million—in taxes on her 2018 income, as reported by AP on September 26, 2023. The authorities indicated that Shakira was informed of these charges while in Miami.
Shakira’s representative has asserted that she has always acted following the law, guided by top tax experts. The statement further explained that Shakira is now focused on her career in Miami and is optimistic about a favorable outcome regarding her tax issues.
The rep also mentioned that Shakira has not formally been notified about the new probe and that her legal team will comment only once official notification is received. In September 2024, Shakira chose to settle the $15 million fraud case, prioritizing the well-being of her two sons.
She stated to El Mundo via Us Weekly that her decision was driven by a desire to protect her children and continue with her life, not from fear or guilt. Shakira’s initial tax fraud case revolves around her residency from 2012 to 2014.
Prosecutors argue that she should have paid taxes in Spain during this period, although she maintained her official residence in the Bahamas. She allegedly owes 14.5 million euros (about $13.9 million) for income earned during these years.
In July 2022, Shakira declined a settlement offer that would have resolved the case out of court. Instead, she reached a plea deal with the Spanish government on the eve of her trial, agreeing to pay $7.6 million and receiving a three-year suspended sentence.
Shakira stated that she decided to spare her children from witnessing her sacrifice, emphasizing that her focus was on regaining time for her family and career. Despite her claims of innocence, her PR firm contends that she paid her debt plus $3 million in interest.
