Cristina de Borbon News: Spanish Princess to Be Tried for Tax Fraud, May Face up to Four Years in Prison
Spain's princess Cristina de Borbon is set to stand trial for tax fraud, making her the first royal family member in the country to stand trial since the monarchy was restored in 1975, The Associated Press reported.
King Felipe VI tried to put the royal family in a better light after the scandal surfaced six months ago.
Princess Cristina may face up to four years in prison if found guilty of charges that range from money laundering to fraud. Jose Castro, the judge investigating the case, also pressed charges against her husband, who could face up to 19 years in prison.
Cristina's father, Juan Carlos, was abdicated in June after participating in a series of scandals, Reuters has reported.
Investigations in Spain have exposed high-level corruption among many, including politicians, bankers and trade unions. Cristina and her husband, Inaki Urdangarin, are set to stand trial along with 15 others in in a case involving his Noos Foundation charity.
Corruption is the second biggest concern among Spaniards after high unemployment, as the country heads into a general election year.
Cristina's bail is set at $3.3 million and her husband for 15 million euros, Fox News Latino reported.
The judge has evidence that the couple may have used company funds from Aizoon, a real estate company Cristina co-owns with her husband, to cover their expenses at their Barcelona home, salsa dancing classes and for trips at luxury hotels.
Company funds were being abused at a time when Spain was dealing with a rise in the unemployment rate and the economy began to drastically fall.
King Felipe promised to restore public trust in the monarchy after the royal family was caught in corruption scandals. He also made it so that his two sisters, princesses Elena and Cristina are no longer official members of the family.
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