Swiss attorney general gets increasing international requests
While the total number of cases opened by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) dropped in 2018, requests for international legal assistance continued to rise.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/dos
Español
es
Aumentan solicitudes internacionales a fiscalía suiza
The globalisation of the OAG’s work was clear from figures published on Monday: in 2018, 223 mutual legal assistance cases were handled, compared with 187 the year before, while 233 new requests were received, up from 167.
The trend means constant communication and cooperation at the international level, the OAG wrote on Monday in its annual reportExternal link. It also means that more and more cases are conducted across borders, for example using video technology.
The complexity of some of these international cases also means that they can only be tackled by large, interdisciplinary teams, the report stated.
In total, the OAG was involved in 407 open criminal proceedings in 2018, 71 less than the previous year. The office also said that it managed to reduce the number of cases open for longer than two years, while fewer new cases were also begun.
One significant drop, in the number of penal rulings (from 788 to 170) was explained by a change in procedures that gave cantonal authorities the task of prosecuting crimes relating to motorway stickers from January 2018.
Last week, a separate report by the supervisory authority that oversees the work of the OAG said that it was investigating a reported undocumented meeting between attorney general Michael Lauber and FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Monday’s annual report did not elaborate on the nature of this meeting.
More
More
Attorney general under pressure over alleged meeting with FIFA boss
This content was published on
A probe has been opened to shed light on an alleged third meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland and Indonesia sign deal to tackle international crime
This content was published on
On Monday Switzerland and Indonesia signed an agreement on mutual assistance on criminal matters, just months after penning a free trade deal.
Football Leaks probe closed against Swiss prosecutor
This content was published on
The Valais Attorney General’s Office has closed its probe into the ties between a Valais prosecutor and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
This content was published on
Switzerland has signed declarations to exchange tax information automatically with Brasil, Mexico and Uruguay and Mexico.
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.