Shakira Strikes Deal with Prosecutors, Avoids Prison in Tax Fraud Case

Pop star acknowledges six counts of tax evasion, agrees to pay $7.6 million fine and previously unpaid taxes.

Pop star Shakira has reached a deal with Spanish prosecutors on the first day of her tax fraud trial, avoiding the risk of prison.
Under the agreement, Shakira acknowledged six counts of failing to pay the Spanish government about $15.8 million in taxes between 2012 and 2014.
She will receive a suspended three-year sentence and pay a fine of $7.6 million, in addition to the previously unpaid taxes and interest.
The trial, which was expected to include more than 100 witnesses over several weeks, was called off after just eight minutes.
Shakira's legal record will now reflect that she was found guilty of tax fraud, which could affect another pending tax case.