More than 3 years in prison for ex-Swiss banker who became key US tax evasion witness

Ex-UBS banker gets more than 3 years in prison

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A former banker with Switzerland’s UBS AG is sentenced to more than three years in prison after becoming a key government informant in an international tax evasion probe.

U.S. District Judge William Zloch imposed the sentence Friday on 44-year-old Bradley Birkenfeld. It was more than the 2½ prosecutors had recommended. Birkenfeld’s lawyers had argued his cooperation with investigators was so extensive he deserved probation instead of jail time.

Both sides say Birkenfeld’s information was critical to a settlement requiring UBS to name 4,450 wealthy American clients suspected of hiding assets in secret accounts. Birkenfeld also played a role in several criminal tax prosecutions.

Birkenfeld admitted helping UBS clients hide assets, but also provided information voluntarily.