Poland launches Panama Papers inquiry
Poland will launch a preliminary inquiry into Polish traits in the Sunday-revealed Panama Papers affair in which 140 top political figures worldwide are suspected of tax evasion, deputy Finance Minister Wieslaw Jasinski informed Monday.
According to media, the around 11.5 million documents, leaked from the Panama-based Mossack Fonseca law office and disclosed Sunday by the German daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung and the Washington-based International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), suggest that 140 top politicians around the world are connected with offshore firms serving tax evasion purposes in their countries. On the list among others are 12 present and former state presidents and the families and friends of a further 60 top officials.
The papers also show that Mossack Fonseca helped its clients launder money and evade tax laws. Among the office's customers are football star Lionel Messi and former UEFA head Michel Platini.
Jasinski, who is also the General Inspector of Financial Information (GIIF), said the inquiry will embrace all persons mentioned in the disclosed documentation.
"Situations in which (...) persons in top political positions make use of tax havens to conceal their assets are recognisable throughout the world, and this will also be the case in Poland", Jasinski said. He added that Panama was listed among countries known for money laundering, financing terrorism and aiding tax evasion.
Justice Minister and General Prosecutor Zbigniew Ziobro said Monday that the Panama Papers affair will be put under investigation. He added that it was still too early to say in which direction the inquiries will proceed.
Mossack Fonseca co-founder Ramon Fonseca told Panamanian TV that his office had no criminal ties with offshore firms used by its clients. (PAP)
mb/
