Spanish prosecutors file tax evasion charges against Shakira

AP  |  Madrid 

Spanish prosecutors are charging pop star with tax evasion, alleging she failed to pay more than 14.5 million euros (USD 16.3 million) between 2012 and 2014.

Tax rates are much lower in the than in

Prosecutors in say her travel abroad was for short periods because of professional commitments, while most of the year she stayed in They want her to pay tax in Spain on her worldwide income.

The Colombian officially moved to Spain for tax purposes in 2015, after having two children by Pique.

A will assess whether there is enough evidence to put on trial. Shakira's representatives said they had no immediate comment.

Prosecutors want Shakira to pay a bond of 19.4 million euros the amount they say she owes in tax, plus 33 per cent, in accordance with Spanish law. Otherwise, they recommend a court freeze of her assets to that amount.

Shakira was named in the "Paradise Papers" leaks that detailed the offshore tax arrangements of numerous high-profile individuals, including musical celebrities like and U2's Bono.

The documents were obtained by German daily and investigated by Spanish website El Confidencial.

Spain's tax authorities referred their probe to the prosecutor's office a year ago.

Sports celebrities have also been in trouble with Spanish tax authorities, including footballers and

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Fri, December 14 2018. 21:05 IST