“The Minister for Finance notes the information released publicly worldwide by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) in collaboration with various news outlets, and which pertains to HSBC Swiss accounts as associated to account holders from various countries, including Malta. The Minister for Finance has immediately initiated a process by means of which he has asked the Commissioner for Revenue to request the information from the relevant sources.”

With respect to specific instances of suspected tax evasion, the Maltese Revenue Authorities are empowered to obtain further information from the Swiss Government, or from the government of any EU Member State, on the basis of the agreement related to the Savings Tax Directive. The penalties related to tax evasion are established according to law.

Monday 9th February 2015