Shakira could face 8 years in prison over tax fraud

Shakira has maintained her innocence and reportedly rejected a settlement from the prosecution earlier this week.

Pop star Shakira could be looking at jail time over allegations of tax fraud. According to a report in El Pais, a Spanish newspaper, she could be fined over €23 million for alleged tax fraud, which is said to be in the region of €14.5 million. Prosecutors on the case are also calling for the singer to be jailed for the alleged offence. If she is found guilty, she could face eight years in prison. It's understood that the claims relate to six alleged crimes committed against the Public Treasury between 2012 and 2014. Reuters have reported that the prosecution is accusing Shakira of failing to pay taxes during that period, but Shakira claims that she did not live in Spain during that time. The singer maintains that she had a legal residency in the Bahamas, and that she didn't spend over 183 days in Spain. In a statement issued to Metro, a spokesperson for Shakira has said that she has "always cooperated and abided by the law", and that she has demonstrated "impeccable conduct as an individual and as a taxpayer". The statement continues: "Unfortunately, the Spanish Tax Office, which loses one out of every two lawsuits with its taxpayers, continues to violate her rights and pursue yet another baseless case." "Shakira is confident that her innocence will be proven by the end of the judicial process." Earlier this week, it was reported that Shakira rejected a settlement offer from the prosecution, which would have avoided any potential jail time whatsoever. However, her legal team has maintained her innocence, and said that she plans on proving her innocence during the trial. A representative for the singer said: "The singer is fully confident of her innocence and therefore does not accept a settlement."