Police suspect those smuggled were mostly adults from the Middle East, who were picked up in northern Italy and transported illegally across the border into Switzerland.
Keystone
Swiss police have charged five people in connection with extensive people smuggling operations.
Three men living in canton Bern are accused of having illegally transported or organised the smuggling of over 90 people in at least 30 cases between June 2017 and April 2019, according to a Bern police press releaseExternal link on Wednesday. Two other people – a woman living in canton Bern and a man residing in Germany — are also suspected of involvement.
Those smuggled were mostly adults from the Middle East who were picked up in northern Italy and then transported illegally across the border into Switzerland, or via Switzerland to Germany or Austria, using private or company vehicles.
“It can be assumed that the journeys were planned in advance and financially compensated afterwards,” says the press release.
This comes after months of investigations, according to Bern police. The five people were identified partly on the basis of findings from a smuggling case in Austria, where connections were established to canton Bern.
The three main defendants were detained in April 2019 “as part of targeted action” and are still in custody. All five accused persons face legal proceedings for promoting illegal entry, exit and residence under the Foreign Nationals and Integration ActExternal link.
More
More
Fewer cases of illegal immigration recorded
This content was published on
The number of immigrants in Switzerland without a legal residence permit has continued to drop over the past few years, according to the Swiss Border Guards.
Train vs plane: would you take a direct train between London and Geneva?
Eurostar is planning to run direct trains from Britain to Germany and Switzerland from the early 2030s. Would you favour the train over the plane? If not, why not?
Zurich laboratory finds intestinal bacteria in coffee machines
This content was published on
Last year, the Zurich Cantonal Laboratory found defects in one in four samples of milk drinks from coffee machines. Too many intestinal bacteria were found in a number of samples.
SWISS Belgrade-Zurich flight forced to land in Germany
This content was published on
Swiss flight LX1413 from Belgrade to Zurich had to make an unscheduled landing today in Friedrichshafen, southern Germany.
New Swiss 3D simulation tool offers better landslide forecasting
This content was published on
A new 3D simulation tool is enabling much more accurate avalanche forecasts. The model, which proved its worth during the landslides in Brienz (GR) and Blatten (VS), could lead to more effective management of alpine risks.
Alleged leader of Kosovar terrorist group indicted in Switzerland
This content was published on
The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland has brought charges against a Kosovar on suspicion of being the leader of the Swiss branch of a Kosovar terrorist organisation. He is also suspected of having been active in the management of the organisation in Kosovo.
Swiss glacier lake drains without causing flooding damage
This content was published on
The Faverges glacial lake on the Plaine Morte above Lenk in the Bernese Oberland drained over the weekend. There was no flooding or damage, the authorities announced on Monday.
Chihuahua leads Swiss rescue team to owner stuck in a crevasse
This content was published on
A Chihuahua helped to rescue a man on the Fee Glacier above Saas-Fee VS on Friday. It alerted a rescue team to its owner who had fallen into a crevasse.
Swiss bosses distance themselves from the United States
This content was published on
According to a survey of managers, Swiss companies are increasingly turning away from the USA and orientating themselves more towards Southeast Asia and the EU. This is the result of a recent survey.
This content was published on
The Fête de l'Epouvantail (scarecrow festival) is celebrating its 30th anniversary and returns to Denens in canton Vaud for its seventh edition from July 10-20.
This content was published on
Switzerland and Italy have begun joint border patrols following a deal aimed at combatting illegal immigration between the two neighbouring countries.
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.