Dutch Authorities Carry Out Tax Raids

GENEVA (AP) -- Dutch authorities have carried out raids in multiple countries in an investigation into dozens of people suspected of tax evasion and money laundering via an unidentified Swiss bank.

The national tax administration said in a statement Friday that it suspects several million euros worth of funds were hidden from authorities. It says related investigations are under way in Britain, Australia, Germany and France.

In searches Thursday, it says, authorities detained two suspects and seized a gold bar, luxury cars, dozens of paintings, real estate, jewelry and bank accounts as well as data from thousands of account holders.

Dutch authorities say more actions will be carried out in the coming weeks.

Credit Suisse had earlier said local authorities had visited its offices in Amsterdam, Paris and London.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

Credit Suisse says its offices in London, Paris and Amsterdam have received "visits" by local authorities in connection with unspecified client tax issues.

The Swiss bank said Friday that the contacts took place a day earlier, emphasizing its "strategy of full client tax compliance." It said Credit Suisse will next month start a program of automatic information exchange with European countries.

Credit Suisse spokeswoman Anna Sexton declined to comment further.

Swiss banks have long been a focus of international efforts to clamp down on tax evasion.

In December, the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force said Switzerland had achieved "good results" in fighting money laundering and terrorism financing, but called on it to strengthen its compliance controls, boost scrutiny on the use of cash and share information more with foreign authorities.

(KA)