Shakira tax fraud case: Prosecutors seek 8 years in prison, $24 million fine after singer rejects plea deal
Shakira was offered a settlement agreement in her tax fraud case but rejected it and opted to go to trial instead
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}International pop star Shakira could face both a hefty prison sentence and fine if convicted in her trial for alleged tax fraud.
Prosecutors in Spain are requesting Shakira be sentenced to eight years and two months in prison, and pay a fine of 24 million euros ($24 million).
Shakira was offered a settlement agreement but rejected it, choosing to go to trial. A date has yet to be set.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Representatives for Shakira told Fox News Digital, "Shakira has always cooperated and abided by the law, demonstrating impeccable conduct as an individual and a taxpayer, and faithfully following the counsel of PriceWaterhouse Coopers, a prestigious and globally recognized tax firm. 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."
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"Hips Don't Lie" singer Shakira, seen performing in Madrid in 2019, is currently facing tax fraud charges. (Getty Images)
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Shakira, whose full name is Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll, is charged with failing to pay the Spanish government 14.5 million euros ($15 million) in taxes between 2012 and 2014.
Prosecutors in Barcelona allege the "Hips Don't Lie" singer spent more than half of both 2012 and 2014 in Spain, and therefore is required to pay taxes in the country.
The three-time Grammy Award winner and three-time Latin Grammy Award winner is facing six charges.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}In May, the star appealed the same tax fraud charges, but a court struck down her request.
Shakira holds an image of her 2009 album "She Wolf." (Getty Images)
Shakira and her longtime love Gerard Piqué, who plays soccer for FC Barcelona, recently split after an 11-year relationship.
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{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}She shares two children with the athlete, Sasha and Milan.
Shakira and Gerard Piqué, pictured before their split. (Getty Images)
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.