ZURICH, Feb 18 (Reuters) - A Swiss prosecutor said onWednesday it is ordering a search of HSBC Holdings PLC in Geneva and opening an inquiry into allegations of aggravatedmoney-laundering.
"A search is currently underway in the premises of the bank,led by Attorney General Olivier Jornot and the prosecutor YvesBertossa," Geneva's prosecutor said in a statement.
A spokesman for HSBC in Geneva declined to comment.
Earlier this week, Europe's largest bank apologised tocustomers and investors on Sunday for past practices at itsSwiss private bank after allegations that it helped hundreds ofclients to dodge taxes. (Reporting by Katharina Bart, Rupert Pretterklieber and PaulArnold)