A CD containing secret Swiss bank account details of thousands of alleged tax cheats has been bought by German financial officials.

The south-western state of Rhineland-Palatinate said the information prompted over 200 raids nationwide against suspects.

State Finance Minister Carsten Kuehl said he expects to net around 500 million euros as a result in return for paying 4 million euros for the disk.

German states have purchased several sets of data stolen from Swiss banks in the past to pursue suspected tax evaders.

This practice has angered Switzerland but served as ammunition for German opposition parties who object to a government-backed deal amounting to an amnesty for German clients of Swiss banks.

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