Shakira fined $7.6 million as she settles Spanish tax fraud case

thefader.com:

Shakira has settled her tax fraud case with Spanish prosecutors on the same day her trial was due to begin. The singer, who denied any wrongdoing, has paid a €7 million ($7.6 million) fine.

She had faced tax fraud allegations for €14.5 million ($15.8 million), relating to the period between 2012 and 2014, in a Barcelona court.

She could have been sentenced to eight years in prison and a €23 million fine if convicted. Read Next: Shakira faces second tax evasion charge in Spain Shakira said she settled "with the best interest of my kids at heart," adding that her children "do not want to see their mom sacrifice her personal well-being in this fight." Prosecutors in the Barcelona case alleged that Shakira, whose residence between 2012 and 2014 was listed in the Bahamas, spent more than 183 days in Spain, which would qualify her for the country’s tax laws.

Shakira denied the charges and initially rejected a deal offered by prosecutors, instead opting to go to trial. In her statement on Monday, Shakira said: "Throughout my career, I have always strived to do what's right and set a positive example for others.