Swiss prosecutors raid HSBC Private Bank in Geneva in money laundering probe

The Malta Independent reports:

Geneva prosecutors searched the premises of HSBC’s Swiss subsidiary on Wednesday after launching a money-laundering investigation over a report that the bank helped hide millions of dollars for drug traffickers, arms dealers and celebrities.

Prosecutors said they were investigating HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA and persons unknown for suspected aggravated money laundering. The investigation could later be extended to people suspected of committing or participating in money laundering, they said in a statement.

The investigation stemmed from “the recent public revelations” about the private bank, prosecutors said. They said a search at its premises in Geneva was carried out Wednesday, but gave no details.

Last week’s report from the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists and several news organizations found that the bank hid millions of dollars as it helped wealthy people around the world dodge taxes. (…)