Offices of German regional bank raided over suspicions of tax evasion

Law enforcement officers have searched the business premises of a German regional bank in a number of locations in the west of the country over suspicions of serious tax evasion. 

National-Bank AG released details of the raids in a statement on Tuesday, and the authorities confirmed they had taken place following an enquiry from dpa. 

The bank stated that a raid had taken place in the city of Essen, during which executive board offices were also searched. 

The Public Prosecutor's Office in Bochum said it was "conducting a preliminary investigation into executives and employees of National-Bank AG, based in Essen, on suspicion of corporation tax evasion between 2008 and 2015."

Searches were carried out in Essen, Düsseldorf, Münster, Frankfurt and Eschborn to clarify the facts of the case. 

More than 70 tax investigators and public prosecutors were involved in the operations. No further details could be provided. 

The broadcaster WDR reported that the investigations are directed against 13 suspects.

The bank in Essen said that it is "convinced that its actions were lawful and expects that the initial suspicions will not be substantiated." 

It added that it was supporting the law enforcement authorities and cooperating fully.