Journalist refused access to files linked to Crypto scandal
The encryption machines from the Swiss company were used by US and German intelligence to spy on half the world.
Keystone / Ennio Leanza
The Federal Court has confirmed refusals to grant a Swiss television journalist access to files on Crypto, the now defunct encryption machine firm at the heart of a spying scandal.
This content was published on
1 minute
Keystone-SDA/jc
Русский
ru
Журналисту отказали в доступе к информации о фирме Crypto AG
The scandal, which came to light in February 2020, involved manipulated encryption devices made by Zug-based firm Crypto which the CIA and the German intelligence agency used to spy on half the world.
At the end of October 2019, the journalist requested access to files from the Federal Archives dating from the 1990s relating to the Crypto probe carried out by the Federal Police at the time. The Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) and then Swiss Export Risk Insurance (SERI) refused her access to three of the four files on grounds that there were overriding public interests at stake.
After the Federal Administrative Court in 2021 and 2022, the Federal Court confirmed the refusals in two rulings published on Friday. It points out that these documents mention by name informants from foreign intelligence services and the countries to which coding machines were delivered. In this respect, Switzerland’s interest in maintaining secrecy remains intact, it said.
Crypto was dissolved in 2018. The scandal, which was revealed by media investigations, led to a parliamentary probe and a criminal investigation by a special prosecutor.
Popular Stories
More
Climate adaptation
Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world
Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?
Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?
Living longer: What do you think about the longevity trend?
The longevity market is booming thanks in part to advances in the science of ageing. What do you think of the idea of significantly extending human lifespan?
US tariffs: pharma firms not planning job cuts in Switzerland
This content was published on
The additional investments in the US will not lead to a reduction in jobs in Switzerland. This is according to pharmaceutical giant Roche, which expects the number of employees to remain stable in the current year. The position of Novartis is similar.
Switzerland is closely monitoring three livestock diseases
This content was published on
The spread of Lumpy skin disease, Bluetongue and African swine fever are keeping Swiss veterinary authorities on the alert.
Swiss writer wins European Prize for Political Culture
This content was published on
On Saturday, the Hans Ringier Foundation awarded the 91-year-old Zurich writer Adolf Muschg the European Prize for Political Culture.
Swiss government working with firms to overcome high US tariffs
This content was published on
The Swiss delegation that travelled to Washington has returned from talks on tariffs in the United States. The negotiations are now being conducted under the aegis of the government and the federal administration, according to Seco.
Swiss intelligence benefited from CIA-Crypto spying affair
This content was published on
Parliamentary investigation has revealed that Swiss intelligence service were aware of the Zug-based firm Crypto AG’s involvement in US-led spying.
Encryption firm Crypto International to cut most of its Swiss staff
This content was published on
The successor company of Zug-based Crypto AG, which sold compromised encryption devices, will make more than 80 employees redundant.
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.