Prosecutors in Geneva have raided the offices of HSBC’s scandal-hit private bank as pressure increases on Britain’s biggest lender over allegations of money laundering and tax evasion.

The raid forms part of a criminal inquiry amid accusations that the bank helped customers, including arms dealers and blood diamond traders, move money around the world.

It has been reported today @ noon on 18 feb 2015

• Prosecutors in Geneva have raided the offices of HSBC’s scandal-hit private bank as pressure increases on Britain’s biggest lender over allegations of money laundering and tax evasion.

• Officers began searching HSBC’s premises in the Swiss city as part of a criminal inquiry amid accusations that the bank had helped customers, including arms dealers and blood diamond traders, move money around the world.

• In a statement, the Geneva prosecutor’s office said it was investigating claims of “aggravated money laundering” by HSBC Private Bank (Suisse), the arm of the lender already hit by allegations that it was at the centre of a network that helped thousands of clients dodge billions of pounds in taxes.

“A search is currently under way in the premises of the bank, led by attorney general Olivier Jornot and the prosecutor Yves Bertossa,” said the prosecutors.