Spanish Court Acquits Shakira in Tax Fraud Case

A Spanish court has cleared Shakira of tax fraud charges, instructing the government to refund over 55 million euros (approximately $64 million) levied as fines and interest. This development, according to a court document obtained by The Associated Press, marks the end of a long legal ordeal for the Colombian singer in Spain.

The court in Madrid addressed the dispute surrounding the 2011 tax year. Authorities had not substantiated claims that Shakira was a tax resident in Spain during that period. For residency status in Spain, an individual must reside in the country for more than 183 days in a year. The court noted that Shakira spent only 163 days in Spain in 2011.

In recent years, Spanish tax officials have intensified efforts against public figures, targeting individuals like soccer stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo for tax evasion. While both were found guilty, neither faced prison due to a Spanish law that allows sentences under two years to be suspended for first-time offenders.