A fresh filing with the Barcelona Public Prosecutor’s Office adds 6.6 million euros to the tally of sums reportedly owed by the Colombian artist, Shakira, with a focus on irregularities in the 2018 tax year. The case, reported by El Periódico de Catalunya of the Prensa Ibérica group, does not declare guilt or innocence but highlights ongoing efforts to settle potential debts with the Spanish Tax Office. The amount reflects continuing attempts to address tax obligations that remain under scrutiny by Spanish authorities.
To date, the total cost linked to Shakira’s tax disputes has approached the nine-figure mark. The tally includes 65 million euros for tax issues dating back to 2011, plus about 25 million euros in penalties and penalties related to earlier settlements and ongoing investigations into 2012 to 2014, and the recent 6.6 million euro payment to the Esplugues de Llobregat court. Prosecutors say this latest action could reduce final penalties if the case goes to court.
Shakira acknowledged tax issues but did not face jail time
In the wake of the new filing, Shakira, whose full name is Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, has not been summoned to testify, and the judicial process has faced delays tied to reporting the 2018 complaint. The singer moved to the United States with her children after the end of a high-profile relationship with a former FC Barcelona player. It is expected that any initial announcements may occur via video link, a measure intended to streamline proceedings and minimize media disruption around the artist. — Periódico de Catalunya
The Barcelona Public Prosecutor’s Office accuses Shakira of defrauding the Tax Office of about 6.1 million euros for 2018, implying two offenses against the Public Treasury and including late payment interest that brings the outstanding amount to approximately 6.6 million euros. Prosecutors argue the singer benefited from a corporate network that included a Luxembourg-based company, with other entities in Spain, the Netherlands, the British Virgin Islands, Malta, Panama, and Liechtenstein involved in related transactions. — Periódico de Catalunya
Residence and arrangements in Luxembourg
The accusation states that Shakira lived in Esplugues de Llobregat in 2018 with her then-partner, the former footballer Gerard Piqué, and their two children. The filing notes that as a Spanish resident she was obliged to file personal income tax (IRPF) and wealth tax declarations, reflecting the taxpayer’s worldwide income regardless of where earnings arise or where residence is established. — Periódico de Catalunya
According to the prosecutor’s office, Shakira used a corporate network to minimize personal income tax in the 2018 fiscal year. It is claimed that revenue came from music rights managed by entities linked to Luxembourg, with some touring expenses attributed to professional activities such as the United States tour being paid and recorded through these networks. — Periódico de Catalunya
To facilitate these arrangements, various tax decisions were signed, with steps taken to reduce tax liability by negotiating with Luxembourg authorities. The indictment notes a reported ordinary income tax rate of 1.39 percent for the involved company. Prosecutors describe the entity as being used for tax purposes rather than conducting substantive business activity, arguing it was dominated by official and administrative actions rather than genuine economic operations. — Periódico de Catalunya
Shakira’s reported strategy involved earning income through international entities, aiming to lower Spanish tax exposure by leveraging a cross-border corporate structure. The prosecutors assert that the practice relied on coordinating with multiple jurisdictions known for favorable tax regimes, and that some transfers and deductions were implemented to minimize overall tax obligations during the 2018 year. The case centers on whether these actions constituted legitimate tax planning or improper use of corporate arrangements to avoid taxes due in Spain. — Periódico de Catalunya
The renewed filing underscores the ongoing legal conversation around how multinational incomes are reported in a high-profile case that has generated considerable attention in Spain and abroad. It highlights questions about tax compliance obligations for residents with global income and the role of corporate networks in managing cross-border earnings. The detailed allegations describe a network spanning several jurisdictions and illustrate the complexity of modern tax law, where personal and corporate tax obligations intersect across borders. Periódico de Catalunya and related court documents provide the basis for these disclosures, reflecting the evolving nature of the case as prosecutors move to clarify the facts and determine the appropriate remedies for any perceived irregularities. — Attribution: El Periódico de Catalunya