(AFP/JB) Searches took place on Tuesday at the headquarters of the German Commerzbank in Frankfurt (west), against persons suspected of organising tax evasion in Luxembourg, daily newspaper the Süddeutsche Zeitung has reported.

Without citing specific sources, the German newspaper wrote "more than 150 magistrates, tax authorities and police investigators began Tuesday's first searches against tax evaders and their Luxembourg accomplices" and "that the search centred on Commerzbank."

In addition to the bank's headquarters in Frankfurt, searches also took place in the Rhineland, Hesse and Rhineland-Palatinate, the Süddeutsche Zeitung adds, not only on suspicion of tax evasion but also money laundering, in some cases.

Questioned by AFP, Commerzbank said it was "in its own interests that a prompt and complete investigation be carried out" and the bank "naturally fully supported the authorities."

"This probe deals with old cases, ten years old or older and will be reviewed internally and in cooperation with the investigators," Commerzbank said in a written statement, adding that it now "requires absolute transparency" in the tax status of customers in Luxembourg.

The investigation comes after the details of scores of tax optimisation deals struck between Luxembourg and various multinationals were revealed at the end of 2014 and in 2015 in what has become known as LuxLeaks.

The EU has since launched a new commission of inquiry lasting six months to examine whether any of the 28 European Union member states offer sweetheart tax deals to attract top companies, giving them an unfair advantage over their EU neighbours.

Commerzbank has had a presence in Luxembourg since 1969 and opened its first branch in 2006, according to its website. The office was set up as a service provider for the Luxembourg subsidiaries.

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