The Swiss banking giant UBS went on trial in Paris on Monday over accusations it illegally helped wealthy French clients move their money out of the country and beyond the reach of tax authorities, charges which could land it with billions of euros in fines.
After a six-year investigation, judges last year charged the bank and its French subsidiary with laundering proceeds from tax fraud carried out from 2004 to 2012, allegations the bank has denied.
"UBS will finally have the chance to respond to what are usually unfounded claims," the bank has said, vowing to "strongly defend itself."