Swiss lawyer indicted in US after advising HSBC client

Felix Mathis, a Zurich-based lawyer at Froriep Renggli LLP, allegedly helped Dr. Andrew Silva, of Virginia, conceal from U.S. authorities foreign bank accounts at HSBC, according to an indictment filed last week at federal court in Alexandria.

A warrant has been issued for Mathis' arrest, but he is not yet in U.S. custody.

The pair used a Liechtenstein trust called Pentruvoi Trust to hide the existence of the Swiss accounts, according to the indictment.

Dr. Silva admitted his role in the transaction and received a sentence of 2 years probation. He admitted not having reported funds held at HSBC Holdings Plc. An HSBC spokeswoman declined to comment. More in http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-15/surgeon-avoids-prison-for-plotting-to-hide-hsbc-cash-update1-.html

HSBC claims it does not condone or assist tax evasion http://in.reuters.com/article/idINTRE66E74S20100715However, its website advertises the benefits of offshore banking http://www.offshore.hsbc.com/1/2/international/offshore-banking and its potential tax benefits http://www.offshore.hsbc.com/1/2/international/offshore-banking/tax-benefits

Read more at the Washington Examiner: http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/Lawyer-accused-of-helping-hide-Swiss-bank-accounts-1001106-98639599.html#ixzz0vPN9WqJN

Copy of the indictment in USA v Felix M. Mathis, No.1:10-CR-260 in the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Virginia can be read at http://www.scribd.com/doc/34434671/USA-vs-Felix-Mathis