Shakira pays more than $9.3m in another tax fraud case

Shakira has paid a court more than £5.5 million (S$9.3 million) in another tax fraud case.

The Colombian singer reached an agreement last week over allegations she evaded tax totalling £12.7 million in 2012, 2013, and 2014, and she has now agreed to pay out another £5.7 million covering the £5.3 million prosecutors alleged she evaded in 2018, as well as interest.

Shakira will continue to be investigated over the suspected 2018 breaches but Spanish newspaper El Periodico reports if that leads to a new trial, the money she has handed over now will likely lead to a more lenient eventual sentence.

Officials confirmed in July that the Hips Don't Lie singer was under suspicion of suspected 2018 tax breaches.

A spokesman for Catalonia's High Court of Justice said at the time: "Court of Instruction Number 2 in Esplugues de Llobregat has opened a procedure following a complaint presented by prosecutors against the singer Shakira for two suspected tax crimes related to income tax and wealth tax for the Spanish tax year of 2018."

After settling the case last week, hours before she was due to go to trial, Shakira maintained her innocence but explained she'd agreed to the deal because she was tired of the legal battle getting in the way of her time with her sons, Milan, 10, and eight-year-old Sasha.

She said in a statement: "Throughout my career, I have always strived to do what's right and set a positive example for others.

"That often means taking the extra step in business and personal financial decisions to procure the absolute best counsel, including seeking the advice of the world's preeminent tax authorities PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited and Ernst + Young Global Limited who have been my advisors during this whole process.

"Unfortunately, and despite these efforts, tax authorities in Spain pursued a case against me as they have against many professional athletes and other high-profile individuals, draining those people's energy, time, and tranquillity for years at a time.

"While I was determined to defend my innocence in a trial that my lawyers were confident would have ruled in my favour, I have made the decision to finally resolve this matter with the best interest of my kids at heart who do not want to see their mom sacrifice her personal well-being in this fight."

The 46-year-old star — whose 12-year relationship with Gerard Pique ended last year — plans to view the settlement as a "win" because she can put the case behind her now and focus on the future.

She added: " I need to move past the stress and emotional toll of the last several years and focus on the things I love — my kids and all the opportunities to come in my career, including my upcoming world tour and my new album, both of which I am extremely excited about.

"I admire tremendously those who have fought these injustices to the end, but for me, today, winning is getting my time back for my kids and my career."

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