Scandal-hit former king of Spain settles tax bill

AFP

Spain’s former king Juan Carlos, who left his homeland under a cloud of scandal in August, has settled a back tax bill worth over 678,000 euros (US$820,000) including interest and fines, his lawyers said on Wednesday.

The lawyers, in a statement, provided no details on what the back taxes were for.

But the newspaper El Pais said earlier the former monarch sought to settle certain alleged illegal credit card transactions with the revenue service to avoid being charged in an investigation and to be able to return to Spain.

“In any case, His Majesty King Juan Carlos remains, as always, at the Tax Service’s disposal for any procedure it considers necessary,” the lawyers said.

Prosecutors at Spain’s Supreme Court have opened several investigations into Juan Carlos’ business dealings. They include those linked to a high-speed train contract in Saudi Arabia.

Juan Carlos’ son, King Felipe, is the current head of state.

“The monarchy is not in danger,” Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez told TV channel Telecinco when asked about the scandal.

Juan Carlos has been living in United Arab Emirates since he left Spain.