Shakira facing eight years in prison for alleged tax fraud

Tenerife favourite, Shakira, has been dealt a second blow after her recent split from ex-footballer, Gerard Piqué, after being hit with a court case for allegedly defrauding 14.5 million euros from the Treasury between 2012 and 2014, and faces 8 years and 2 months in prison, and a fine of 23.8 million euros.

The Prosecutor's Office attributes six alleged crimes against the Public Ministry and takes into account that she has paid already some of the taxes that she did not pay at the time, an amount close to 17 million euros.

Shakira will go to trial after ruling out reaching an agreement with the Prosecutor's Office, convinced of being able to prove her innocence in the six fiscal crimes of which she is accused, as she explained through a statement that her press agency released 48 hours ago: "Shakira has always shown impeccable conduct, as a person and taxpayer, without any pending debt with the Treasury for many years."

“Never has there been a persecution with such a lack of reasonableness and so fierce on the part of the treasury and the obvious use of media and reputational pressure as a collection mechanism" said her communication team, censuring the "intransigent attitude" of the Prosecutor's Office throughout the investigation and "the lack of evidence to support her accusation."

However, the prosecutors have reaffirmed their position and the Columbian singer faces the worst possible news: a request for eight years in prison and a fine of 23.8 million euros if she is finally found guilty. She has not yet spoken publicly about the possibility of going to prison.

Shakira is a regular visitor to Tenerife having performed a concert on the island, owned a house, and most recently recorded a music video at Siam Park.