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Getting Tough on Tax Evaders - A German state’s purchase sparks controversy

August 17, 2012

It’s a major coup for the tax authorities of the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia. Tax inspectors purchased several CDs in Switzerland containing confidential data about Germans suspected of tax evasion.

https://p.dw.com/p/15rVn

Collecting those unpaid taxes could bring millions of euros into the state’s coffers. However, the purchase is controversial both because of its legal implications, and because it may threaten a tax agreement between Switzerland and Germany scheduled to come into effect at the start of the next year.