HSBC probes alleged client data leak HSBC was scrambling on Friday to investigate the alleged leak of data relating to 4,000 clients of its Jersey operation, after claims that some of the bank's offshore accounts were being used by serious criminals. The data - obtained from a whistleblower by the Daily Telegraph - allegedly show that drug dealers, gun runners and bankers facing major fraud investigations had accounts with the bank in Jersey. The details of every British client of HSBC in Jersey were passed to HM Revenue & Customs, which said it was studying the data to ensure that tax rules had been respected. The bank was blindsided by the data leak, with HSBC insiders saying they had been unaware of any investigation by HMRC. It was too early to know if allegations relating to accounts being held by specific individuals with alleged criminal records were accurate or not, they said. "We are investigating the reports of an alleged loss of certain client data in Jersey as a matter of urgency," an HSBC spokesperson said, adding that the bank remained fully committed to the highest global standards including the procedures for the acceptance of clients. "We have not been notified of any investigation in relation to this matter by HMRC or any other authority but, should we receive notification, we will co-operate fully with the authorities," the spokesperson said. A spokesperson for HMRC said: "Clamping down on those who try to cheat the system through evading taxes and over-claiming benefits is a top priority for us, and we value the information we receive from the public and business community." The list identifies 4,338 people holding almost £700m in offshore current accounts, including several celebrities, the Daily Telegraph reported on Friday. The data are said to include names, addresses and account balances. Shares in HSBC fell 0.8 per cent in early trading, further than the wider market.