shakira directly addressed the six counts of tax fraud that the Spanish authorities had charged her with, claiming that they were trying to “corrupt [her] reputation”.
Of the singer lawyer, Pablo Molins Amat, presented legal testimony about her offense before a Barcelona court investigating her on Friday, which included Shakira’s own personal testimony.
“It is unacceptable that in its charge the tax authority failed to respect the legal certainty that must be guaranteed to any taxpayer, but not my fundamental rights,” he said. don’t lie The singer’s message was read.
“In the same way, they are trying to damage a reputation that has been earned over the years.”
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Shakira also criticized the Treasury Department’s investigative methods, saying: “In my case, they violated my privacy and right to presumption of innocence, a fundamental right of any citizen. .”
The mother-of-two claims the Treasury Department has previously requested personal data from hospitals where she requested an appointment, even visiting her favorite hair salons in Barcelona, as well. like corroborating her social media accounts to locate her.
The legal statement on the offense presented by Amat read:
“Shakira is a taxpayer who has consistently demonstrated impeccable tax behavior and has never had a tax problem in any other jurisdiction.
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“Without solid evidence to support the charges against her, she was violently persecuted in the criminal and media fields using unacceptable methods to damage her reputation. her and force her to come to a settlement agreement.
“Shakira paid more than 90 million euros in international income that was not generated in Spain and her international assets, without having a business center in this country, where she has never earned. substantial income.”
The pop star’s representative explained the circumstances behind what could have led to the illusion of Shakira’s extended stay in the country.
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“What actually happened was sporadic presence, thus resulting in an accusation based solely on conjecture,” they explained in the statement.
“For example, allegedly counting all payments made with a bunch of credit cards belonging to her group and friends made in Spain to add up the days Shakira was in the country , without taking that into account, there are, in many cases, simultaneous payments in different parts of the world where the artist is not physically present in the places where the payments are made. presently.”
The Grammy Award-winner doubled down, saying she’s willing to go to court instead of settling with the treasury.
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“Shakira continues to maintain a firm will to comply with all her tax obligations in Spain, as well as in all the countries where she has resided or performed throughout her long professional career. me.
“Finally, Shakira wishes to express her absolute confidence in the independence of the Spanish justice system and her firm belief that, after the trial, her complete innocence will prevail. .”
Spanish prosecutors first accused the artist of tax fraud in 2018, claiming she failed to pay 14.5 million euros ($21.5 million) in taxes on income earned since 2012. until 2014. They asked for an 8-year prison sentence and additional punishment for the female singer’s charge. not paying taxes.
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Authorities claim the singer spent 242 days in Spain in 2012, 212 days in 2013 and 243 days in the country in 2014, exceeding the 183 days in a calendar year needed to be considered a Spanish residents for tax purposes.
The 45-year-old has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, with her public relations firm saying she paid all she owes and an additional 3 million euros (4.6 million euros). million USD) profit.
The date of the trial in Barcelona has not yet been set.
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