Colombian music artist Shakira, widely known as the “Queen of Latin Pop,” is facing trial in Barcelona over a tax fraud case pursued by Spanish prosecutors.

The 46-year-old singer is accused of defrauding the Spanish state of 14.5 million euros ($15.7 million) in income earned between 2012 and 2014.

Prosecutors are seeking a jail term of over eight years. Shakira denies the charges, asserting that she only became a full-time resident in Spain in 2015.

Spanish authorities claim she spent more than half of the mentioned period in Spain and should have paid taxes in the country.

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Allegedly, Shakira used a network of companies in tax havens to evade Spanish taxes.

The defense argues that until 2014, Shakira led a “nomadic life,” earning most of her income from international tours. They state that she permanently moved to Barcelona in January 2015.

In a 2022 interview with Elle magazine, Shakira stated, “I’ve paid everything they claimed I owed, even before they filed a lawsuit. So, as of today, I owe zero to them.”

The trial, scheduled until December 14, commenced today at a Barcelona court, with almost 120 witnesses expected to testify.

Prosecutors are seeking an eight-year, two-month jail term and a fine of nearly 24 million euros ($24 million).

While Shakira is anticipated to testify during the opening session, she may request permission to be absent from subsequent hearings.

The trial is expected to reveal details about Shakira’s private life, with prosecutors conducting a meticulous investigation, including interviews with neighbors, monitoring social media activity, and examining payments at local establishments.

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Shakira’s financial affairs were previously exposed in the “Pandora Papers” leak in October 2021, which revealed information about her residence in the Bahamas.

This trial follows Spain’s crackdown on tax evasion by celebrities, including football stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

The case’s outcome will be closely monitored, given recent legal actions against prominent figures for similar financial matters in the country.