Singer Ana Torroja to stand trial for tax fraud

Ana Torroja, a singer who became famous in the 1980s as the lead vocalist for the pop band Mecano, will stand trial in early April for tax evasion. If convicted, she could face up to three years in prison.

The three-day trial will take place in Palma de Mallorca, the same location where Princess Cristina recently answered questions regarding her alleged role in her husband's dubious business dealings.

The case is an offshoot of an investigation that began in 2007 into a Palma-based law firm that specialized in creating offshore firms in tax havens for its wealthy clients. Torroja was one of these clients, along with several millionaires who have already been tried and convicted on similar charges.

Torroja, who launched a solo career in 1997, is charged with fraud for the years 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007. Besides the criminal charges, she faces fines of over 450,000 euros. Two tax advisors from the firm are also being tried.

The singer's lawyers had been trying to reach an out-of-court settlement to avoid a trial.

Torroja's involvement with the island of Mallorca began with the purchase of a summer home in Andratx that had once been the property of the English painter and spy Thomas Harris. She also got married on a vessel in Mallorcan waters, where she likes to snorkel.

It was during the acquisition of this property that the singer hired the services of Gabriel Feliu, whose family law firm was searched by anti-corruption authorities because of its activities in tax havens.

Mallorca has been the target of several high-profile investigations in recent years, including the Palma Arena case, which resulted in a six-year jail conviction for former regional premier Jaume Matas and an ongoing investigation into King Juan Carlos' son-in-law Iñaki Urdangarin.