(Herve Falciani is responsible for the world's largest-ever breach of banking secrecy. In 2008, he leaked data from HSBC Private Bank in Geneva, where he was a systems engineer. He says he is committed to campaigning against offshore banks who help the rich, corrupt and criminal hide their money.)
It is really important for everyone to know exactly where the real problem lies. And it is thanks to revelations such as the one made by the media this week that we have the great opportunity to see it happen. Banking giant HSBC has been exposed by the international media for helping rich clients buck taxes that run into hundreds of billions of euros.
I am pleased that it was done in an ethical rather than indiscriminate way. This is what makes it effective towards making things change. Public awareness is the main goal and of the utmost importance.
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I have always said names should not be revealed, but I have also insisted at the same time that exceptions can be made if it concerns politicians or public figures. But revealing names is not a choice that I can or should have to make.
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Many will of course still plead innocence. The huge problem for everyone across the board, whether it's in France or in India, is that marketplaces are correlated. So if we do not maintain civilian surveillance over finance, then we will be faced with grave problems.
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Regarding empty accounts and denials - this information has been globally proved as authentic and accurate. Many clients themselves have admitted that the information is accurate and they have even brought complementary proof by collaborating with the judiciary. You will still have people who deny it - lying is not new but it will be harder and harder for them if citizens are more and more aware of their tricks.
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As for India - I am currently trying to decide on the best way to proceed with the exchange of information with India. It's a matter of just weeks to get the organization in place. I'm not sure yet if I should do it directly with normal citizens, as we have done in the case of Argentina, or should we do it with the support of the French government? That is the part of the discussion which is ongoing as to whether this can be something that's government-to-government, or whether I should do it in my individual capacity.
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