Italy investigates secret accounts in Liechtenstein

ROME, March 1 (Reuters) - Rome magistrates have opened an investigation into some 400 Italians suspected of evading taxes by holding secret bank accounts in Liechtenstein, judicial sources said on Saturday.

An international hunt for tax evaders was begun by Germany which bought details of accounts in Liechtenstein.

Spain, Australia and Greece began investigations last month and Liechtenstein has said it wants to conclude a comprehensive tax fraud agreement with the European Union.

Countries across three continents have launched raids on suspected tax dodgers, increasing pressure on Liechtenstein to lift the cloak of secrecy from its banks.

Germany and Britain have said they paid an informant for data on secret accounts held by Liechtenstein banks in an investigation which targets hundreds of people and has already prompted the chief executive of Deutsche Post to resign.

Liechtenstein, a country of 35,000 residents nestled between Austria and Switzerland, has lured thousands of rich investors from across the world with a promise of confidentiality. It is on an international blacklist of taxation havens. (Editing by Robert Woodward)