Wikileaks set to release Swiss bank client info

[Schadenfroh]

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-...h-client-data-from-ex-julius-baer-banker.html

WikiLeaks plans to release data on about 2,000 cross-border bank accounts provided by a former Julius Baer Group Ltd. employee

...

Rudolf Elmer, who was dismissed as chief operating officer by Julius Baer Bank & Trust Company Ltd. in the Cayman Islands in December 2002, handed over the information today, including data on 40 politicians, to WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange.

...

Elmer will be tried on Jan. 19 in Zurich, charged with several counts of attempted duress, including threats to Julius Baer and its employees, as well as breaching Switzerland’s banking secrecy laws.

Looks like Assange will be amassing more (rich) enemies. With any luck, some corrupt politicians might be ousted, so some good might come from this leak, although the cost to personal privacy will be high. No mention as to which country those 40 politicians belong. Looks like the guy that leaked it is going down, already.

 

[airdata]

I wonder how many billions of dollars could be collected from tax evaders...

 

[MovingTarget]

I wonder how many billions of dollars could be collected from tax evaders...

This. The secrecy of Swiss banks has long been a way for those of high net worth to evade tax laws of many nations.

Also, another source:
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/18/business/global/18baer.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

 

[KlokWyze]

Sounds good to me. Keep up the good work.

 

[Throckmorton]

I want to see the libertarian response to this

 

[HumblePie]

this and cayman island accounts.

 

[Genx87]

I want to see the libertarian response to this

How would you respond if your bank information was given out to the world?

 

[BoberFett]

I want to see the libertarian response to this

Why?

 

[JSt0rm]

How do conservatives feel about people illegally sheltering profits from taxing? Is this a bi-partisan issue we can all get behind?

 

[Scotteq]

How do conservatives feel about people illegally sheltering profits from taxing? Is this a bi-partisan issue we can all get behind?

While that clearly is a bipartisan issue: I'm having a little bit of trouble with the idea that it's acceptable to make accusations based on information that isn't public yet. i.e.: Where is the information that says "X" individual's accounts are an illegal tax shelter?

That's not knowable at this point.

I want to see the libertarian response to this

Speaking as a Social Libertarian: People should have the right to live their lives and handle their affairs as they see fit, so long as they respect the rights of others to do the same.

 

[matt0611]

How do conservatives feel about people illegally sheltering profits from taxing? Is this a bi-partisan issue we can all get behind?

I think taxes are, in general, bad, but tax evasion is always bad. I want illegal practices exposed.

 

[JSt0rm]

While that clearly is a bipartisan issue: I'm having a little bit of trouble with the idea that it's acceptable to make accusations based on information that isn't public yet.

Have their been accusations? I would think its best to wait and see who this is. Hell they could all be democrats then what?

 

[MovingTarget]

Have their been accusations? I would think its best to wait and see who this is. Hell they could all be democrats then what?

Sick the federal prosecutors on them, thats what. Even if they are Democrats, it shouldn't matter. You should not be able to use secret bank accounts from another country to do an end run around taxes in this country, period.

 

[pcgeek11]

How do conservatives feel about people illegally sheltering profits from taxing? Is this a bi-partisan issue we can all get behind?

It should be stopped. The persons responsible should be given a fair trial for income tax evasion, made to pay up and spend some quality time with Wesley Snipes.

 

[Scotteq]

Have their been accusations? I would think its best to wait and see who this is. Hell they could all be democrats then what?

The accusation was implied in your post...

And I don't particularly care one way or another about the political party affiliation of anyone who may or may not be involved in activities that may or may not be implied by people attempting to play games with information that hasn't even been released yet.

If they didn't pay taxes as they should have, I have full confidence in the powers of the State and Federal Revenue Services to make their lives the appropriate living hell.

 

[pcgeek11]

While that clearly is a bipartisan issue: I'm having a little bit of trouble with the idea that it's acceptable to make accusations based on information that isn't public yet. i.e.: Where is the information that says "X" individual's accounts are an illegal tax shelter?

That's not knowable at this point.

Who doesn't matter. Anyone that illegally shelters money to avoid due taxes is and should be held accountable.



Speaking as a Social Libertarian: People should have the right to live their lives and handle their affairs as they see fit, so long as they respect the rights of others to do the same.

And they abide by the laws of the land.

 

[JSt0rm]

Alright then. So let it be known from this day forth that this issue is hallowed ground in the p&n sub-forum. We are all in agreement that these leaks could provide useful information that could see corrupt politicians on either side go down.

It has been written, so it will be.

Ommmmmmmmm.

 

[Scotteq]

And they abide by the laws of the land.

You're a little late - Please see the post immediately above yours.

Thanks

 

[JSt0rm]

The accusation was implied in your post...

And I don't particularly care one way or another about the political party affiliation of anyone who may or may not be involved in activities that may or may not be implied by people attempting to play games with information that hasn't even been released yet.

If they didn't pay taxes as they should have, I have full confidence in the powers of the State and Federal Revenue Services to make their lives the appropriate living hell.

No I was seriously asking. I wasnt accusing republicans of not caring I just honestly didnt know. I know that there are some who like to "starve the beast" I didnt know if this was "by all means available" or only legal ones.

 

[pcgeek11]

I think taxes are, in general, bad, but tax evasion is always bad. I want illegal practices exposed.

Taxation is needed to provide for the people, it just needs to be a fair taxation.

 

[pcgeek11]

You're a little late - Please see the post immediately above yours.

Thanks

Well you posted when I was composing.

You are welcome.

 

[Scotteq]

Well you posted when I was composing.

You are welcome.

De Nada...



And (as an aside) there *are* radicalized Libertarians who would reject the Government's "right" to demand those taxes in the first place. Fringe, to be sure, but they do exist.

Hell - For all we know, the people with all that money could be Radical Libertarians saving their pennies to buy an island so they can go and not have a Government on it!

 

[Scotteq]

No I was seriously asking. I wasnt accusing republicans of not caring I just honestly didnt know. I know that there are some who like to "starve the beast" I didnt know if this was "by all means available" or only legal ones.

Fair enough.

I'm inclined to take a position that Greed knows no particular party lines, save perhaps in the methodology. But since nothing has been released, then there's not a lot to talk about yet.

 

[matt0611]

Taxation is needed to provide for the people, it just needs to be a fair taxation.

I agree, its a necessary evil if there is to be a government.

 

[101mpg]

I don't understand why wikileaks has to comb through the information first, what are they trying to hide? Do they just pick and choose what they deem the public should hear? Why not just dump all of it.