This article is from the source 'washpo' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/the-latest-germany-mulls-national-transparency-register/2016/04/05/5e59df0c-fb15-11e5-813a-90ab563f0dde_story.html

The article has changed 14 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 12 Version 13
The Latest: FIFA corruption suspect linked to offshore firms The Latest: FIFA head Infantino hits back after Panama link
(about 2 hours later)
BERLIN — The Latest on the publication by a coalition of media outlets of an investigation into offshore financial dealings by the rich and famous (all times local):BERLIN — The Latest on the publication by a coalition of media outlets of an investigation into offshore financial dealings by the rich and famous (all times local):
10:20 p.m.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended his reputation after a Champions League broadcasting contract he signed was leaked from a Panama-based law firm’s database.
Infantino says in a statement published by FIFA he is “dismayed and will not accept that my integrity is being doubted.”
As UEFA’s legal director in 2006, Infantino co-signed a deal to sell TV rights for Ecuador to a marketing agency linked to the ongoing FIFA bribery scandal, British daily The Guardian reported.
The agency, Cross Trading, was owned by Argentine marketing executives Hugo and Mariano Jinkis who were indicted last year by American federal prosecutors investigating a bribery conspiracy in international soccer.
Infantino says he “never personally dealt with Cross Trading nor their owners” in a tender process conducted by an agency retained by UEFA.
___
10:00 p.m.10:00 p.m.
An Argentine businessman who was extradited to the U.S. for his involvement in the FIFA corruption scandal is linked to offshore companies, documents leaked from a Panamanian law firm show.An Argentine businessman who was extradited to the U.S. for his involvement in the FIFA corruption scandal is linked to offshore companies, documents leaked from a Panamanian law firm show.
Alejandro Burzaco transferred $370 million to secret companies in tax havens. The money was used to pay the South American soccer confederation for broadcasting rights to the region’s top club tournament over a 14-year period.Alejandro Burzaco transferred $370 million to secret companies in tax havens. The money was used to pay the South American soccer confederation for broadcasting rights to the region’s top club tournament over a 14-year period.
The information was reported Tuesday by Argentina’s La Nacion. The newspaper is part of a global group of news organizations working with the Washington-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.The information was reported Tuesday by Argentina’s La Nacion. The newspaper is part of a global group of news organizations working with the Washington-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.
Burzaco was previously the chief executive of sports marketing company Torneos y Competencias. He was one of 14 people indicted by U.S. authorities last year on bribery, vote-rigging and other corruption charges.Burzaco was previously the chief executive of sports marketing company Torneos y Competencias. He was one of 14 people indicted by U.S. authorities last year on bribery, vote-rigging and other corruption charges.
______
9:00 p.m.9:00 p.m.
The finance minister for the tiny country of Andorra wedged between France and Spain has told reporters that he once was in charge of an offshore company and is making the announcement in the interest of openness.The finance minister for the tiny country of Andorra wedged between France and Spain has told reporters that he once was in charge of an offshore company and is making the announcement in the interest of openness.
Jordi Cinca Mateos said in a statement Tuesday that he was the company’s agent from 1999-2000, long before he entered government.Jordi Cinca Mateos said in a statement Tuesday that he was the company’s agent from 1999-2000, long before he entered government.
The offshore company dissolved in 2002 had been set up to deal with possible business interests in Central and South America for an Andorran company that Cinca Mateos used to work for.The offshore company dissolved in 2002 had been set up to deal with possible business interests in Central and South America for an Andorran company that Cinca Mateos used to work for.
Cinca Mateos says he doesn’t know whether his involvement with the company would have emerged from a huge dump of leaked documents from a Panamanian law firm that set up companies in tax havens.Cinca Mateos says he doesn’t know whether his involvement with the company would have emerged from a huge dump of leaked documents from a Panamanian law firm that set up companies in tax havens.
He says he made the announcement pre-emptively because he has nothing to hide but doesn’t want his effort to serve as an example that others should imitate him.He says he made the announcement pre-emptively because he has nothing to hide but doesn’t want his effort to serve as an example that others should imitate him.
Andorra is in the Pyrenees mountains and has about 85,000 residents. It is a destination for banking, skiing and duty free shopping.Andorra is in the Pyrenees mountains and has about 85,000 residents. It is a destination for banking, skiing and duty free shopping.
______
8:35 p.m.8:35 p.m.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and top economic officials are calling for greater transparency in the wake of the publication of thousands of names of people who conducted offshore financial activity through a Panamanian law firm.German Chancellor Angela Merkel and top economic officials are calling for greater transparency in the wake of the publication of thousands of names of people who conducted offshore financial activity through a Panamanian law firm.
Merkel spoke after a previously-scheduled Tuesday meeting with the heads of the World Bank, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the International Monetary Fund, the International Labor Organization and the World Trade Organization.Merkel spoke after a previously-scheduled Tuesday meeting with the heads of the World Bank, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, the International Monetary Fund, the International Labor Organization and the World Trade Organization.
She said the new corruption allegations show “the theme of transparency is of the greatest importance.”She said the new corruption allegations show “the theme of transparency is of the greatest importance.”
OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria said it was an “exceptional situation which we should profit from” by pressuring Panama to join international financial disclosure agreements.OECD Secretary-General Angel Gurria said it was an “exceptional situation which we should profit from” by pressuring Panama to join international financial disclosure agreements.
World Bank President Jim Yong Kim called it “an opportunity to continue and aggressively move forward to find how these illicit financial flows are moving.”World Bank President Jim Yong Kim called it “an opportunity to continue and aggressively move forward to find how these illicit financial flows are moving.”
______
8:20 p.m.8:20 p.m.
One of the world’s largest anti-corruption watchdogs is expressing regret that the head of its office in Chile is linked to several offshore companies, according to documents leaked from a Panamanian law firm.One of the world’s largest anti-corruption watchdogs is expressing regret that the head of its office in Chile is linked to several offshore companies, according to documents leaked from a Panamanian law firm.
Transparency International said in a statement Tuesday that Gonzalo Delaveau’s resignation Monday shouldn’t take away from the group’s important work in Chile.Transparency International said in a statement Tuesday that Gonzalo Delaveau’s resignation Monday shouldn’t take away from the group’s important work in Chile.
Jose Ugaz, chair of the Berlin-based group, said he was deeply troubled by revelations that Delaveau, a lawyer, was linked to five companies domiciled in the Bahamas.Jose Ugaz, chair of the Berlin-based group, said he was deeply troubled by revelations that Delaveau, a lawyer, was linked to five companies domiciled in the Bahamas.
Delaveau is not accused of any wrongdoing but Ugaz said his continued affiliation with Transparency International is incompatible with the group’s aims to register the beneficial owners of all shell companies to make it harder for the corrupt to hide illicit wealth.Delaveau is not accused of any wrongdoing but Ugaz said his continued affiliation with Transparency International is incompatible with the group’s aims to register the beneficial owners of all shell companies to make it harder for the corrupt to hide illicit wealth.
______
7:10 p.m.7:10 p.m.
British Prime Minister David Cameron says he and his family do not benefit from offshore funds, after the leader of the opposition called for an independent investigation into everyone holding money in tax havens.British Prime Minister David Cameron says he and his family do not benefit from offshore funds, after the leader of the opposition called for an independent investigation into everyone holding money in tax havens.
A leak of millions of documents from a Panamanian law firm has disclosed details of the asset-hiding arrangements of wealthy people — including Cameron’s late father.A leak of millions of documents from a Panamanian law firm has disclosed details of the asset-hiding arrangements of wealthy people — including Cameron’s late father.
Ian Cameron, who died in 2010, used other offshore investments to help shield his money from U.K. tax. There is no suggestion the arrangement was illegal.Ian Cameron, who died in 2010, used other offshore investments to help shield his money from U.K. tax. There is no suggestion the arrangement was illegal.
Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said Tuesday he wanted tax authorities should investigate “all people that have invested in these shell companies or put money into tax havens.”Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn said Tuesday he wanted tax authorities should investigate “all people that have invested in these shell companies or put money into tax havens.”
Cameron’s office said “the prime minister, his wife and their children do not benefit from any offshore funds.”Cameron’s office said “the prime minister, his wife and their children do not benefit from any offshore funds.”
Cameron said Tuesday: “I own no shares, no offshore trusts, no offshore funds, nothing like that. And so that, I think, is a very clear description.” Downing St. said Cameron’s wife, Samantha “owns a small number of shares connected to her father’s land, which she declares on her tax return.”Cameron said Tuesday: “I own no shares, no offshore trusts, no offshore funds, nothing like that. And so that, I think, is a very clear description.” Downing St. said Cameron’s wife, Samantha “owns a small number of shares connected to her father’s land, which she declares on her tax return.”
______
6:50 p.m.6:50 p.m.
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says he will set up an independent judicial commission to probe whether his family is involved in illegal overseas investments after reports based on documents leaked from a Panama-based law firm indicated his sons owned offshore companies.Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif says he will set up an independent judicial commission to probe whether his family is involved in illegal overseas investments after reports based on documents leaked from a Panama-based law firm indicated his sons owned offshore companies.
In a televised address to the nation Tuesday, Sharif said a retired judge from the Supreme Court of Pakistan will head the commission.In a televised address to the nation Tuesday, Sharif said a retired judge from the Supreme Court of Pakistan will head the commission.
He asked those levelling corruption charges against his family to cooperate with the commission and prove any allegations.He asked those levelling corruption charges against his family to cooperate with the commission and prove any allegations.
Sharif’s comments came a day after his son Hussain Nawaz admitted he owned offshore companies and property abroad which has been disclosed in the so-called Panama Papers leaks.Sharif’s comments came a day after his son Hussain Nawaz admitted he owned offshore companies and property abroad which has been disclosed in the so-called Panama Papers leaks.
______
6:40 p.m.6:40 p.m.
President Barack Obama says the massive leak of documents on offshore accounts is evidence that world leaders should do more to crack down on individuals and corporations that try to dodge taxes.President Barack Obama says the massive leak of documents on offshore accounts is evidence that world leaders should do more to crack down on individuals and corporations that try to dodge taxes.
Obama remarks were his first on the so-called Panama Papers. He says the leaders have made some progress in shutting down international tax avoidance schemes, but not enough.Obama remarks were his first on the so-called Panama Papers. He says the leaders have made some progress in shutting down international tax avoidance schemes, but not enough.
Obama says the problem is that too often the tax dodging in enabled by “poorly designed” laws that are easy to exploit. He says: “A lot of it’s legal, but that’s exactly the problem.”Obama says the problem is that too often the tax dodging in enabled by “poorly designed” laws that are easy to exploit. He says: “A lot of it’s legal, but that’s exactly the problem.”
The Justice Department has said it is reviewing the documents for evidence of corruption or violations of U.S. law.The Justice Department has said it is reviewing the documents for evidence of corruption or violations of U.S. law.
______
5:40 p.m.5:40 p.m.
French Finance Minister Michel Sapin says his country will put Panama back on its list of tax havens.French Finance Minister Michel Sapin says his country will put Panama back on its list of tax havens.
France had withdrawn Panama from its list of “uncooperative countries” in 2012 following the signature of a convention on the fight against tax evasion between the two countries.France had withdrawn Panama from its list of “uncooperative countries” in 2012 following the signature of a convention on the fight against tax evasion between the two countries.
Sapin, speaking to lawmakers at France’s lower house of parliament, says Panama tried “to make us believe it was able to respect the key international principles.”Sapin, speaking to lawmakers at France’s lower house of parliament, says Panama tried “to make us believe it was able to respect the key international principles.”
France’s list of tax havens currently includes six states: Brunei, Guatemala, Marshall islands, Nauru, Niue and Botswana. It allows tax administration to apply specific stringent measures on financial transactions with these countries.France’s list of tax havens currently includes six states: Brunei, Guatemala, Marshall islands, Nauru, Niue and Botswana. It allows tax administration to apply specific stringent measures on financial transactions with these countries.
______
5:35 p.m.5:35 p.m.
The chairman of Hungary’s opposition Socialist Party says a former lawmaker and party treasurer has admitted that reports about an offshore company owned by his wife are “completely true.”The chairman of Hungary’s opposition Socialist Party says a former lawmaker and party treasurer has admitted that reports about an offshore company owned by his wife are “completely true.”
Jozsef Tobias says that Laszlo Boldvai, who was a parliamentary deputy from 1994 to 2014, told him Tuesday that he is willing to face any inquiry and has suspended his party membership. Boldvai was also party treasurer for the Socialists in 1994-1998.Jozsef Tobias says that Laszlo Boldvai, who was a parliamentary deputy from 1994 to 2014, told him Tuesday that he is willing to face any inquiry and has suspended his party membership. Boldvai was also party treasurer for the Socialists in 1994-1998.
According to information published by Hungary’s Direkt36.hu investigative journalism center, Boldvai’s wife, a high school teacher, has owned a company registered in Samoa since 2012.According to information published by Hungary’s Direkt36.hu investigative journalism center, Boldvai’s wife, a high school teacher, has owned a company registered in Samoa since 2012.
Years ago, Boldvai’s personal finances were the subject of articles in several newspapers as he and his family seemed to be living beyond their means. Still, in 2009, a parliamentary commission chaired by another Socialist Party deputy decided not to investigate the allegations.Years ago, Boldvai’s personal finances were the subject of articles in several newspapers as he and his family seemed to be living beyond their means. Still, in 2009, a parliamentary commission chaired by another Socialist Party deputy decided not to investigate the allegations.
______
5:05 p.m.5:05 p.m.
Romania’s national tax authority has set up a working group to examine the data published by investigative journalists on offshore accounts and firms held by Romanians.Romania’s national tax authority has set up a working group to examine the data published by investigative journalists on offshore accounts and firms held by Romanians.
The National Agency of Fiscal Management said Tuesday anti-fraud inspectors, tax inspectors and inspectors specialized in checking people’s assets and financial information would be part of the interdepartmental group.The National Agency of Fiscal Management said Tuesday anti-fraud inspectors, tax inspectors and inspectors specialized in checking people’s assets and financial information would be part of the interdepartmental group.
Funds have been made available for the group to probe information about companies, business people and correlate it with existing data about foreign and domestic bank accounts, shares and transactions.Funds have been made available for the group to probe information about companies, business people and correlate it with existing data about foreign and domestic bank accounts, shares and transactions.
Paul Radu, who heads the RISE Project, a group of investigative journalists publishing details about Romanians who have offshore companies, says there are 100 Romanians in the so-called Panama Papers.Paul Radu, who heads the RISE Project, a group of investigative journalists publishing details about Romanians who have offshore companies, says there are 100 Romanians in the so-called Panama Papers.
______
3:30 p.m.3:30 p.m.
Spain’s acting deputy prime minister says her country’s investigation into offshore companies created for luminaries like soccer great Lionel Messi and movie director Pedro Almodovar will focus on whether the companies held money and if it was declared in Spain.Spain’s acting deputy prime minister says her country’s investigation into offshore companies created for luminaries like soccer great Lionel Messi and movie director Pedro Almodovar will focus on whether the companies held money and if it was declared in Spain.
Soraya Saenz de Santamaria told the Telecinco broadcaster in an interview Tuesday that Panama’s government appears inclined to cooperate with Spanish authorities probing the companies in various tax havens created by Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca.Soraya Saenz de Santamaria told the Telecinco broadcaster in an interview Tuesday that Panama’s government appears inclined to cooperate with Spanish authorities probing the companies in various tax havens created by Panamanian law firm Mossack Fonseca.
Spain since 2012 has required taxpayers to declare their holdings abroad. She says Spain will “trace the money and relationships with third parties.”Spain since 2012 has required taxpayers to declare their holdings abroad. She says Spain will “trace the money and relationships with third parties.”
Messi has denied wrongdoing and Almodovar’s brother says the company for them was dissolved a few years after it opened in the 1990s.Messi has denied wrongdoing and Almodovar’s brother says the company for them was dissolved a few years after it opened in the 1990s.
Other Spaniards named in the massive document leak from the law firm include a sister of former King Juan Carlos and a son of a former longtime Catalonia regional leader.Other Spaniards named in the massive document leak from the law firm include a sister of former King Juan Carlos and a son of a former longtime Catalonia regional leader.
______
2:45 p.m.2:45 p.m.
A digital forensics expert who helped journalists parse the massive trove of offshore finance documents from a Panamanian law firm says it took weeks to process the leaked information.A digital forensics expert who helped journalists parse the massive trove of offshore finance documents from a Panamanian law firm says it took weeks to process the leaked information.
Carl Barron, a consultant with Australian data investigation firm Nuix, says his company has been collaborating with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists since September on the so-called Panama Papers investigation.Carl Barron, a consultant with Australian data investigation firm Nuix, says his company has been collaborating with the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists since September on the so-called Panama Papers investigation.
He told The Associated Press in a telephone interview: “We worked with them as a partner but we didn’t actually see the documents.”He told The Associated Press in a telephone interview: “We worked with them as a partner but we didn’t actually see the documents.”
Barron said it took roughly two weeks for the company’s software to make the 2.6 terabyte stash of information searchable and several additional weeks to process hard-to-parse documents such as photos and faxes.Barron said it took roughly two weeks for the company’s software to make the 2.6 terabyte stash of information searchable and several additional weeks to process hard-to-parse documents such as photos and faxes.
Deduplication — the process of removing redundant data such as copies of the same email chain — slimmed the final cache by 30 percent.Deduplication — the process of removing redundant data such as copies of the same email chain — slimmed the final cache by 30 percent.
He said that “if they had done it by hand it would have been impossible.”He said that “if they had done it by hand it would have been impossible.”
______
2:35 p.m.2:35 p.m.
Slovenia’s finance ministry has called for greater international sharing of data to tackle the kind of tax fraud allegedly revealed by the data leaked by a Panama-based law firm.Slovenia’s finance ministry has called for greater international sharing of data to tackle the kind of tax fraud allegedly revealed by the data leaked by a Panama-based law firm.
The ministry said Slovenia was active in tackling tax havens by investigating hundreds of suspected cases of tax evasion. It says an additional 24 million of euros was collected between 2011 and 2015 as a result of probes into suspected transactions.The ministry said Slovenia was active in tackling tax havens by investigating hundreds of suspected cases of tax evasion. It says an additional 24 million of euros was collected between 2011 and 2015 as a result of probes into suspected transactions.
Slovenia’s Delo newspaper says that according to leaked documents it analyzed, at least 78 Slovenian companies and 74 Slovenian individuals are reportedly associated with offshore companies set up through the Panama-based Mossack Fonseca law firm.Slovenia’s Delo newspaper says that according to leaked documents it analyzed, at least 78 Slovenian companies and 74 Slovenian individuals are reportedly associated with offshore companies set up through the Panama-based Mossack Fonseca law firm.
The newspaper says that Slovenia’s most prominent boxer Dejan Zavec is among those named in the leaked documents. He has said he has done nothing wrong.The newspaper says that Slovenia’s most prominent boxer Dejan Zavec is among those named in the leaked documents. He has said he has done nothing wrong.
______
2:30 p.m.2:30 p.m.
President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman says the Russian leader has no connection whatsoever to offshore accounts allegedly owned by his close friend, a Russian musician.President Vladimir Putin’s spokesman says the Russian leader has no connection whatsoever to offshore accounts allegedly owned by his close friend, a Russian musician.
Dmitry Peskov says the leaked documents from a Panama-based firm have been wilfully interpreted by an international consortium of investigative journalists to make what he called an unfounded claim that cellist Sergei Roldugin’s offshore assets were linked to the Russian president.Dmitry Peskov says the leaked documents from a Panama-based firm have been wilfully interpreted by an international consortium of investigative journalists to make what he called an unfounded claim that cellist Sergei Roldugin’s offshore assets were linked to the Russian president.
Peskov, speaking to The Associated Press Tuesday, emphasized that “there is not a word about President Putin in those papers,” and dismissed the alleged link between Russian owners of offshore assets and Putin as a “product of imagination.”Peskov, speaking to The Associated Press Tuesday, emphasized that “there is not a word about President Putin in those papers,” and dismissed the alleged link between Russian owners of offshore assets and Putin as a “product of imagination.”
He said the scandal around the so-called Panama Papers has proven that Putin was right when he urged Russian businesses to pull out their assets from offshores.He said the scandal around the so-called Panama Papers has proven that Putin was right when he urged Russian businesses to pull out their assets from offshores.
______
2:20 p.m.2:20 p.m.
British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn has called for an independent investigation into the tax affairs of people and companies accused of wrongdoing in the leak of the Panama Papers.British opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn has called for an independent investigation into the tax affairs of people and companies accused of wrongdoing in the leak of the Panama Papers.
Labour leader Corbyn said Tuesday the investigation should include a look at the finances of Prime Minister David Cameron and his family.Labour leader Corbyn said Tuesday the investigation should include a look at the finances of Prime Minister David Cameron and his family.
Corbyn spoke after the British press published extensive stories about Cameron’s late father setting up an offshore account at a tax haven.Corbyn spoke after the British press published extensive stories about Cameron’s late father setting up an offshore account at a tax haven.
He told reporters: “I think the prime minister, in his own interest, should tell us exactly what’s been going on.”He told reporters: “I think the prime minister, in his own interest, should tell us exactly what’s been going on.”
The information about Cameron’s father was first published several years ago.The information about Cameron’s father was first published several years ago.
Corbyn said the government should stop “pussyfooting” around and deal aggressively with tax havens.Corbyn said the government should stop “pussyfooting” around and deal aggressively with tax havens.
______
1:45 p.m.1:45 p.m.
A known soccer player, a fashion designer whose dresses are worn by first lady Michelle Obama and 16 other mostly business figures are on a list of prominent Serbs who used the services of law firm Mossack Fonseca to create offshore companies in various tax havens.A known soccer player, a fashion designer whose dresses are worn by first lady Michelle Obama and 16 other mostly business figures are on a list of prominent Serbs who used the services of law firm Mossack Fonseca to create offshore companies in various tax havens.
The Belgrade-based KRIK network investigating crime and corruption, which issued the list on Tuesday after going through documents leaked from the Panama-based law firm, says Darko Kovacevic had officially earned about $2,000 a month while playing for Spanish club Real Sociedad during the 2006-2007 season.The Belgrade-based KRIK network investigating crime and corruption, which issued the list on Tuesday after going through documents leaked from the Panama-based law firm, says Darko Kovacevic had officially earned about $2,000 a month while playing for Spanish club Real Sociedad during the 2006-2007 season.
The leaked documents, however, show the club had paid Kovacevic $1.4 million that season to his offshore account. That means that both the club and Kovacevic had avoided paying full taxes in Spain, KRIK says.The leaked documents, however, show the club had paid Kovacevic $1.4 million that season to his offshore account. That means that both the club and Kovacevic had avoided paying full taxes in Spain, KRIK says.
Fashion designer Roksanda Ilincic had a firm in British Virgin Islands, KRIK says, adding that the ownership of a shell company is not a crime, but that it can be used for money laundering or evading taxes.Fashion designer Roksanda Ilincic had a firm in British Virgin Islands, KRIK says, adding that the ownership of a shell company is not a crime, but that it can be used for money laundering or evading taxes.
______
1:15 p.m.1:15 p.m.
Iceland Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson is defying calls for his resignation as opponents plan a second day of mass protests outside the island nation’s parliament building.Iceland Prime Minister Sigmundur David Gunnlaugsson is defying calls for his resignation as opponents plan a second day of mass protests outside the island nation’s parliament building.
The prime minister and his wife have been linked to an offshore company that may represent a severe conflict of interest with his official role.The prime minister and his wife have been linked to an offshore company that may represent a severe conflict of interest with his official role.
A wide array of opposition groups are planning protests Tuesday evening seeking new elections.A wide array of opposition groups are planning protests Tuesday evening seeking new elections.
Parliament was not in session but deliberations on the crisis are expected to resume later this week.Parliament was not in session but deliberations on the crisis are expected to resume later this week.
News reports have alleged that Gunnlaugsson and his wife set up a company in the British Virgin Islands with the help of a Panamanian law firm at the center of a massive tax evasion leak. He denies doing anything illegal and says all taxes were paid.News reports have alleged that Gunnlaugsson and his wife set up a company in the British Virgin Islands with the help of a Panamanian law firm at the center of a massive tax evasion leak. He denies doing anything illegal and says all taxes were paid.
______
11:50 a.m.11:50 a.m.
Germany’s justice minister is proposing setting up a national “transparency register” that would list the real beneficiaries of letter-box companies — but only those set up in the country itself.Germany’s justice minister is proposing setting up a national “transparency register” that would list the real beneficiaries of letter-box companies — but only those set up in the country itself.
Heiko Maas’ proposal Tuesday to expand national money-laundering legislation followed a massive leak of documents from a Panama-based law firm. German daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported Tuesday that 28 German banks used the company’s services to set up or administer over 1,200 shell companies.Heiko Maas’ proposal Tuesday to expand national money-laundering legislation followed a massive leak of documents from a Panama-based law firm. German daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported Tuesday that 28 German banks used the company’s services to set up or administer over 1,200 shell companies.
Maas conceded that German legislation could only apply to companies set up in Germany, which has pushed for tax havens to open up. He said: “Those who are pushing for this at the international level have to have corresponding national rules themselves.”Maas conceded that German legislation could only apply to companies set up in Germany, which has pushed for tax havens to open up. He said: “Those who are pushing for this at the international level have to have corresponding national rules themselves.”
Maas added: “I can imagine many countries considering this.”Maas added: “I can imagine many countries considering this.”
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.Copyright 2016 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.