Senator Carl Levin has been probing Swiss banks compliance with US demands for transparency.  Over and over again Senators asked, “Why would someone who lives in the US deposit money offshore?”

The Department of Justice notes its investigations have helped spur voluntary disclosures by U.S. taxpayers through an Internal Revenue service program, started in 2009, that offers reduced penalties for people who owe back taxes, interest and penalties.

“The prospect of U.S. prosecution has been forceful enough to cause 43,000 taxpayers to self-report and pay nearly $6 billion in taxes and penalties,” the Justice Department said.

This is the kind of probe and litigation that will help reduce inequality.