Links Apr 12

Online petition in Europe challenges tax havens Reuters

Transparency Europe launch petition on Change.org for a clampdown on tax havens, demanding a "truth commission" to investigate Switzerland's role in corruption and tax evasion.

BVI admits to ‘isolated’ leak of financial services information, launches probe BVI News
They also say they are not a secrecy jurisdiction, quite a common claim as described here

Tax haven to set up Asia headquarters in Hong Kong South China Morning Post
BVI eager to forge closer ties with Hong Kong and China

Release of offshore records draws worldwide response ICIJ
See reactions and responses to the release of stories by the ICIJ and its media partners

Who Uses the Offshore World ICIJ

Nigeria - #Offshoreleaks: President Jonathan’s adviser, ex-oil minister linked to secret offshore firms Premium Times

Offshore Bank Accounts Of Corrupt Ghanaian Politicians & Public Officials GhanaWeb

Austria defies EU pressure to lift bank secrecy Reuters

Austria finance minister turns heat on UK 'tax evasion' The Guardian

UK: KPMG cannot be put in charge of the hen house, let alone HMRC and financial regulation Tax Research UK

How to set up an offshore company in 10 minutes Transparency International

The trouble with tax havens Ottawa Citizen

Banks Resorting to Old Tricks to Reduce Capital Levels naked capitalism

Swiss minister apologizes to victims of forced welfare Reuters