Shakira has been summoned to court for allegedly failing to pay $13.9 million in income taxes, and the punishment could be harsh: the prosecution is requesting both a lengthy prison term and a substantial fine. However, it appears doubtful that the pop star will go to prison based on prior Spanish tax cheating prosecutions.
What Justifies Shakira's Tax Evasion Charges?
The singer was charged with failing to pay income taxes from 2012 to 2014. Shakira allegedly stated that she only spent around half of that time in Spain, according to the New York Post.
She currently lists the Bahamas as her primary location, but she formerly resided there with her lover Gerard Piqué and their two kids. According to Shakira's PR company, she has paid the Spanish government all of her debts in full, plus interest of 3 million euros.There are six counts of tax fraud against Shakira, but the trial date has not yet been scheduled. The singer will be fined and sentenced to eight years in prison by the prosecution for unpaid taxes.
Although Shakira is not the first famous person to be accused of tax cheating in Spain, the situation seems really serious. Both soccer players Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have been accused of tax dodging.
With Spanish authorities, both players cooperated, and Messi even insisted he was unaware of the alleged crime. He explained to the judge, "I just played football." We agreed that my dad and the lawyers should handle those matters, so I signed the contracts since I trusted them.
Will Shakira Be Arrested?
Ronaldo, who vehemently denied any fraud, received a two-year sentence with probation and an 18.8 million euro punishment. The penalties was reduced by 2 million euros after cooperation with the authorities.
Additionally, because of his suspended sentence, he was never imprisoned. Ronaldo, though, completed his sentence while on probation. The soccer player was exempt from jail time as long as he didn't commit another crime.
Former "One Tree Hill" Star Wants Her True Crime Show To Correct Legal Mistakes In Small Towns
Messi was given the same type of punishment: a 1.7 million euro fine and a 21-month term with probation. These penalties result from a rule that permits a court to suspend first-time offenders' prison sentences of up to two years.
Shakira is being charged with the same type of offense, so it's possible that she won't have to serve any time in jail, but only time will tell.
[zombify_post]
0 Comments