Spain's investigation into pop star Shakira's alleged tax evasion has been dropped due to a lack of evidence, as reported by multiple media outlets. The probe, initiated in July by Spanish prosecutors, alleged that Shakira had used various companies and tax havens to evade €6.6 million in taxes owed for 2018. However, the singer settled the full amount with the Spanish government in August to clear any outstanding debt.
On Wednesday, investigators informed the court that insufficient evidence led them to request the dismissal of the criminal case against Shakira. The court concurred, stating that there was no proof of intentional fraud on her part, despite some irregularities in her tax filings. Shakira's defense attorney expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, asserting that it dispelled any notions of fraudulent behavior by the singer.
Although this development marks the end of the tax evasion allegations, Shakira still faces an administrative dispute regarding her residency status in Spain in 2011. The dispute revolves around the number of days she spent in the country that year, with tax obligations triggered after 183 days of residence.
Earlier this year, Shakira was embroiled in a separate tax case related to her time in Spain between 2012 and 2014. Prosecutors accused her of defrauding Spanish revenues of €14.5 million during that period. However, Shakira maintained that she did not move to Spain until 2015.
Instead of facing trial, Shakira opted to pay a substantial fine of around €7.8 million to resolve the matter, in addition to the €17.45 million she had already paid in taxes. Currently residing in Miami with her children, Shakira's legal battles with Spanish tax authorities have been ongoing.
In a related incident, Shakira's former partner, Gerard Piqué, faced tax fraud charges in 2016 as part of Spain's crackdown on celebrity tax evasion. Piqué paid a €2.1 million settlement, which was later overturned by Spain's Supreme Court.
