S&Ds deplore refusal by Appleby to meet with parliamentarians over tax evasion inquiry
Date
23 Nov 2018
Sections
Euro & Finance
A European Parliament’s delegation investigating the Paradise Papers revelations was denied a meeting with Appleby today on the Isle of Man. The S&Ds regret the cancelation of the meeting on a very late notice. This is the second time Appleby, the company at the heart of the Paradise Papers refused to explain itself. Appleby was invited to appear in front of the Parliament’s special committee on financial crimes, tax evasion and tax avoidance for an exchange of views.
S&D Group spokesperson on the directive on countering money laundering by criminal law, Ana Gomes MEP, said:
"This disrespectful manner towards an appointed parliamentary committee is unacceptable and shows the real unwillingness of Appleby to enter into a dialogue and to make amends.
"Given the importance this company seems to dedicate to engagement with elected representatives, one may wonder what dedication is put towards ensuring proper enforcement of anti-money laundering provisions."
The S&D MEP Arndt Kohn participating in the delegation to the Isle of Man added:
"What is there to hide, so that even a simple encounter to ask questions and better understand how an offshore law firm ensures it does not promote tax evasion or money laundering is denied to elected representatives of the European Parliament?"
Note to editors
The Paradise Papers were a leak of 13.4 million records mostly coming from offshore law firm Appleby, along with corporate registries in 19 tax jurisdictions, which reveal the financial dealings of politicians, celebrities, corporate giants and business leaders.