Shakira could be going to prison for eight years as court orders trial
Topics: Celebrity
Ali Condon
Featured Image Credit: agefotostock / Alamy Stock Photo Everett Collection Inc / Alamy Stock Photo
Topics: Celebrity
Shakira has officially been ordered to stand trial in Spanish courts over allegations of tax fraud.
The 'Hips Don't Lie' singer has been accused of defrauding the Spanish tax office out of £12 million on income earned between 2012 and 2014.
After a lengthy investigation into her earnings, Shakira was offered an out-of-court plea deal, but the songstress rejected the offer.
Advert
As a result, Shakira will now be ordered to stand trial and, if she's convicted, she could face up to eight years in prison.
Prosecutors are seeking to fine Shakira - full name Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll - €23 million (£20.4 million), as well as the stiff prison sentence, if she is found guilty at trial.
It is understood that the original plea deal will remain on the table until the first day of trial. A date has not yet been set.
Prosecutors in Barcelona have alleged the Grammy winner spent more than half of each year between 2012 and 2014 in Spain and should have paid taxes in the country.
They've claimed that Shakira moved to Spain in 2011 when her relationship with Gerard Pique of FC Barcelona went public, but the singer maintained official tax residency in the Bahamas until 2015.
Shakira’s public relations team have insisted that the singer has always fulfilled her tax duties.
They claim the artist has deposited the amount she is said to owe, including €3 million (£2.5m) in interest.
They've also argued that, until 2014, Shakira earned most of her money from international tours and did not live more than six months a year in Spain, meaning that she was not a resident under tax law.
In May of this year, a Barcelona court dismissed the 'Wherever, Whenever' singer's appeal to have the tax fraud charges dropped.
Shakira recently ended her long-term relationship with Gerard Pique after 11 years together.
The former couple share children Milan, nine, and Sasha, seven.
In an interview earlier this month, Shakira opened up about the painful split, admitting that she's still trying to 'process' it all.
"It’s been tough not only for me, but also for my kids. Incredibly difficult," she said.
Shakira and Gerard announced on 6 June that they had decided to part ways with a joint statement which read: "We regret to confirm that we are parting ways.
"For the well-being of our children, who are our highest priority, we ask that you respect their privacy. Thank you for your understanding."