Shakira tax fraud: Spanish court orders pop star to stand trial
Shakira faces more than 8 years in prison and a $24 million euro fine in connection with tax fraud allegations
ORIGINAL NOTE: https://www.foxbusiness.com/entertainment/shakira-tax-fraud-spanish-court-orders-pop-star-stand-trial
A Spanish court ordered pop star Shakira to stand trial for a tax fraud case that could land her in prison for more than 8 years Tuesday.
Shakira, 45, is accused of defrauding the Spanish government out of 14.5 million euros ($15 million) in taxes between 2012 and 2014. The “Hips Don’t Lie” singer argues she spent less than half of each of those years inside of Spain.
A judge in Barcelona has now ordered her to appear for trial, though a date for proceedings has not been set.
The megastar rejected a plea deal in the case earlier this year, opening her up to a potential sentence of 8 years and two months in prison, as well as a fine of $24 million euros if convicted.