CREDIT SUISSE OFFICES VISITED BY AUTHORITIES

Credit Suisse said authorities dropped into its offices in three European cities this week, in an investigation over tax offenses.

Swiss bank Credit Suisse (CS) was visited by authorities in London, Paris and Amsterdam on Thursday over possible tax offenses by its wealthy clientele, the bank said in a brief statement.

The Zurich-based firm said it is cooperating with officials after what it called the «visits». It wasn't immediately clear whether the bank's offices were raided as they were two years ago in Italy.

Then, the bank's Milan offices were searched by the tax police, reportedly over whether a Bermuda subsidiary of the bank helped wealthy Italians hide undeclared funds.

Credit Suisse said it will introduce in April the automatic exchange of information in Europe, and for Europeans banking in Switzerland next year. The bank said it has adopted French and Dutch voluntary disclosure programs and ended relationships with clients who didn't conform: «Credit Suisse continues to follow a strategy of full client tax compliance.»

Earlier in the day, Dutch media had reported that authorities there are launching an international hunt, after a whistleblower reported that 3,800 Dutch citizens were hiding assets in Swiss bank accounts.