Kolkata, Feb. 5: The Union finance minister, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, on Saturday said prosecution has been started against 17 Indians who deposited black money in foreign banks but ruled out disclosure of their names.
“The German government has given us certain names during the time of the double taxation avoidance agreement. Of the 18 names, we have already sent notices to 17 persons and prosecution against them has started,” he added.
Mr Mukherjee, however, pointed out that the Centre could not suo moto reveal their names. “According to the treaty, we can only use the information for taxation purposes. As and when the prosecution begins, and the matter comes up in court, then these names can be disclosed,” he added.
“We have nothing to hide. But there are legal provisions,” Mr Mukherjee added.