Position of the SBA on the purchase of stolen data by Germany on 2 February 2010

Basel, 3 February 2010

• We condemn the decision by the German government to buy bank data that was stolen in Switzerland.
• By doing so, Germany is making itself a receiver of stolen goods and putting a strain on the good bilateral relationship between the two friendly neighbouring countries.
• The decision is also incomprehensible in light of the fact that Switzerland has accepted the international standard of OECD article 26 for administrative assistance and is currently renegotiating its double taxation agreement with Germany.
• This incomprehensible action against Switzerland could be counterproductive for further negotiations.
• We welcome the fact that the Federal Council has condemned Germany’s purchase of data and rejects any possible requests for administrative assistance based on the stolen data.
• We demand that Germany disclose the origin of the stolen data immediately.