Tax evasion elicits DW readers' opinions

The following comments reflect the views of DW-WORLD.DE readers. Not all reader comments have been published. DW-WORLD.DE reserves the right to edit for length and appropriateness of content.

German decision to buy 'tax evaders' list angers Switzerland

Of course it is proper. The government has to have tax money to function. They will receive much more than they will pay out. Also, it is not fair to those Germans who are paying their taxes. -- Henry Hall, Canada

The decision to buy the tax-evader list is not morally and legally justifiable. It is not fair on the part of the state to throw its hands up in despair and seek the help of another set of criminals. The state should not forget that the evaders used the existing laws to stash funds. The state is duty-bound to plug loopholes that encouraged stashing money in foreign banks. Further, the informants will now be able to double-cross for their own benefit. Deutschland should live up to its reputation to uphold the rule of law. -- Ramesh HR, India

The German government must strictly abstain from doing business with criminals who have stolen information. The ends do not justify the means. It will be shameful for Germany to pay for stolen information. We all believe that good sense and straightness will prevail in the German cabinet. -- Joao, Belgium

I don't think the Swiss have ever felt any moral dilemma over providing a safe haven for money amassed by criminals, so who are they to criticize Germany. It is a common practice in many countries to pay informants who are often criminals themselves, as they are the ones who have access to information needed by the police. This is no different and no more immoral. -- Diane Nicholl, Great Britain

Swiss lawmakers are unhappy about the data theft

In my opinion Germany should go ahead as this could infuse millions of euros into the economy. As far as banking security is concerned, national governments should at least have a scanning system that could pop up every transaction which demands suspicion. -- Subrata Ashe, India

It may not be morally correct, but I think it will be useful in bringing down the Swiss secrecy laws. In a way it's like a war - not moral, but sometimes necessary to end a larger injustice. -- Jim Bryant, US

Citizens should applaud the German government's decision to acquire data on tax evaders who enjoy citizens' benefits in a great country at the expense of "other" taxpayers. Swiss authorities reduce themselves to the ludicrous when they bray about the "rule of law," when they encourage criminals from another country purely because it is profitable to Swiss banking and investment interests. That's as bad as giving thieves and other burglars asylum or immigration rights. Well done, Deutschland! -- Dr. Jack W, US

Couldn't the German government just use its own agents and specialists to obtain the data in the same manner as the person trying to sell the info? -- Juergen, US

If nations can use spying to protect their country, why not get the info and at least stay vigilant for tax evaders and in time take proper action. I feel there is no ethics problem in catching traitors. If the Swiss can protect unethical data, why can't others hunt for it to serve their own country? -- Arvind Gupta, India

Rather than participate in the transfer of stolen information, the German government should do the following: 1. Turn the thief over to the Swiss government for prosecution. 2. Get the Swiss to stop providing a tax haven and provide the German government the necessary information as part of the normal processes of the banks. 3. Prosecute the German tax evaders after a grace period to permit voluntary compliance without penalty. -- Strohmann, US

Compiled by Stuart Tiffen
Editor: Nancy Isenson