25-02-2008
HMRC admits payment to informant
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HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has confirmed that a decision was made to pay for information relating to bank accounts in Liechtenstein.
Following a report by the Sunday Times, the organisation has confirmed that money was paid to an informant for information relating to the bank accounts of British Citizens within the Principality of Liechtenstein.
The principality is considered to be a tax haven. It was earlier reported by the Times that German authorities had made a similar payment for data relating to wealthy Germans. "Germany is acting as a fence in grand style, a receiver of stolen goods," said Crown Prince Alois of Liechtenstein, in a report by the Times.
Germany's chancellor, Angela Merkel, countered: "Not helpful for our relationship." The comments were made prior to talks between Ms Merkel and Liechtenstein's prime minister Otmar Hasler.
Although the HMRC has yet to confirm the exact amount paid to the informant, it is alleged by the Sunday Times that the amount paid was £100,000.