Shakira Mebarak, the Colombian singer, has been warned that she could be jailed for up to eight years if she is found guilty of alleged tax fraud.
The Grammy-winning singer is charged with failing to pay the Spanish government 14.5 million euros in taxes between 2012 and 2014 — a period in which she said she did not live in Spain.
On Friday, prosecutors said they would ask a court to sentence the pop star to eight years and two months in prison if she is convicted in her expected trial for alleged tax fraud.
The prosecutors also said they would also seek a fine of 24 million euros.
According to Reuters, prosecutors said in May 2012, Shakira bought a house in Barcelona that became a family home for herself, her partner and their son — born in Spain in 2013.
Shakira is said to have rejected a settlement deal offered by prosecutors, opting to go to trial instead.
“Shakira has always cooperated and abided by the law, demonstrating impeccable conduct as an individual and a taxpayer, and faithfully following the counsel of PriceWaterhouse Coopers, a prestigious and globally recognized tax firm,” a representative for the singer said.
“Unfortunately, the Spanish Tax Office, which loses one out of every two lawsuits with its taxpayers, continues to violate her rights and pursue yet another baseless case.
“Shakira is confident that her innocence will be proven by the end of the judicial process.”
No date for a trial has been set.
In June, Shakira and Gerard Pique, the Barcelona defender, announced their decision to split — after 11 years together.
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