According to Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung, the suspect, who allegedly acted alone and was subsequently arrested, is a former bank employee currently employed in Zurich.

The newspaper added that suspect had sold the data for an undisclosed fee to German tax investigators in the German state of North Rhine Westphalia.

In 2011, German authorities launched a concerted effort to gain the details of German residents and in some instances pay bankers to acquire sensitive client information.

Julius Baer CEO Boris Collardi told SonntagsZeitung that the data pertained to clients who had been using bank secrecy to avoid paying taxes in Germany.

"According to what we know, this is the case," he said.

He added: "As part of our stepped-up controls and a thorough internal investigation we recently discovered a case of data misuse and were able to identify the alleged thief."

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The theft is the latest in a line of incidents that have seen tensions rise between Switzerland and Germany.

On a number of occasions, German tax officials have purchased stolen data regarding German clients suspected of tax evasion.

The two countries have made a deal to end the dispute and impose a retroactive levy on declared funds while maintaining secrecy.

Last year Julius Baer agreed to pay German tax authorities EUR50m ($62.6m) to end investigations against the bank, and employees, regarding undeclared assets of German taxpayers.

 

Source: Private Banker International