Spanish court halts tax probe of Shakira following prosecutors’ advice

The probe, centered on allegations of tax evasion amounting to 6.7 million euros ($7.2 million) on her 2018 income through an offshore company, has been provisionally shelved. Shakira vehemently denied any wrongdoing in response to the allegations, which emerged amid scrutiny over her financial affairs. State prosecutors, after conducting a thorough review, concluded that there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the claims of fiscal misconduct. Consequently, they advised closing the investigation.

The investigating court, in line with the prosecutors’ recommendation, determined that without accusations from either the prosecutors or the regional government of Catalonia, where the case was being pursued, there were no grounds to proceed further. The court underscored the absence of evidence suggesting deliberate omission of tax-relevant information by Shakira.

Unless prosecutors contest the ruling within a week, it will become final, effectively ending the inquiry into Shakira’s tax affairs. This development marks a significant reprieve for the Colombian singer, who has been embroiled in legal battles over her tax liabilities in Spain.

In a separate case concluded in November, Shakira reached an agreement with prosecutors, acknowledging her failure to pay 14.5 million euros ($15.6 million) in taxes to the Spanish government between 2012 and 2014. Despite these legal entanglements, Shakira continues to maintain her innocence and remains a prominent figure in the music industry.

Having relocated to Miami following her separation from former soccer star Gerard Piqué, Shakira navigates both personal and legal challenges while focusing on her career and new chapter in the United States.