The German government has signaled it intends to purchase a CD containing information about tax evaders with Swiss bank accounts, even though members of the ruling coalition have warned against dealing with "thieves." In its quest to crack down on tax cheats, Berlin is even prepared to risk a falling-out with Switzerland.

When German Chancellor Angela Merkel appeared at a joint press conference with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Chancellery in Berlin on Monday, she expected the Middle East to be the main item on the agenda. But instead she found herself answering questions about a data CD that presents the German government with a tricky moral dilemma and could lead to a spat with Switzerland.

But Merkel was adamant that the CD was worth the risk. "Everything should be done to get this data," she said. "If this data is relevant, it must be our objective to acquire it," she said.

The CD in question is believed to contain sensitive data relating to the bank accounts of about 1,500 German citizens who have allegedly stashed their money in Switzerland in a bid to avoid paying tax in Germany. An informant offered the CD to the German tax authorities some time ago for an asking price of €2.5 million ($3.5 million). Although the chancellor has so far been unwilling to commit herself to the deal, she sounded determined at the press conference. She wants the CD, even if the price is high - and not just financially.

The chancellor has effectively given her blessing to German authorities accepting the indecent proposal. She called Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble and informed him that he has her support "in bringing about a solution," according to an official government statement issued on Monday.