Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Gov’t calls for a deep investigation on HSBC Swiss accounts

Cabinet Chief Jorge Capitanich (file photo).

Cabinet chief Jorge Capitanich stressed the importance of moving forward in the inquiry on HSBC for allegedly helping citizens and companies stash their money in secret Swiss banks accounts and called for a “frontal fight against tax evasion.”

Following accusations by the AFIP tax bureau, the government has launched an initiative to create a congressional commission to look into HSBC’s alleged illegal plan to help 4,040 clients evade taxes. The chief of ministers said that a thorough investigation is “essential” and scolded “those who have double standards and criticise the government while they hide their money in Swiss accounts.”

Speaking at a joint press conference with Health Minister Juan Manzur, Capitanich highlighted the case as an example of the government’s effort in “guaranteeing a frontal fight against tax evasion” in order to ensure the state’s ability to collect “strategic resources” for the benefit of society.

“We are talking about exorbitant figures,” Capitanich said. “An estimated 62 billion pesos.”

The official denied any plans by the Executive branch to reform the financial entities law and urged judges to “assume their responsibility” in the cas