The Federal Office of Police says an investigation has been started against ex-PostBus boss Daniel Landolf and his former head of finances following a scandal over illegal subsidies.
“These are the first steps,” the Federal Office of Police added in information on its websiteExternal link that was updated on Sunday. The men are suspected of fraud pertaining to benefits, as set out under article 14 of Swiss criminal administrative law.
“Widening the investigation to other people has not been ruled out,” the statement said of the probe, which was officially launched at the end of 2018.
The team of investigators will be going through documents and emails, as well as interviewing people. Searches might also take place, said the information.
The two men risk a prison sentence of five years and a fine of up to CHF30,000 ($30,000) if found guilty, the newspapers said.
Scandal
State-owned PostBus,External link known for its alpine network of distinctive yellow buses, came under intense scrutiny after an audit found it had manipulated accounts between 2007 and 2015 to pocket millions in federal and cantonal subsidies. This also involved subsidiaries abroad.
The Federal Office of Police expects the investigation to last several months. If there is an indictment, the accused will go before the Swiss Federal Court, it indicated.
Administrative proceedings were first opened, with no names, against Swiss Post, the mother company, in February 2018, following a request by the then Transport Minister Doris Leuthard.
In September PostBus agreed to hand back CHF205.3 million ($214 million) to the government, cantons and communes.
More
More
PostBus to reimburse more than CHF200 million
This content was published on
The state-owned PostBus company is to hand back CHF205.3 million ($214 million) following a scandal over illegal subsidies.
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
Scandals damaged Swiss business reputation in 2018
This content was published on
Switzerland’s business reputation took a serious hit last year following various scandals, from corporate bank fraud to illegal subsidies.
Swiss Post Office appoints CEO to steer clear of controversy
This content was published on
Roberto Cirillo will take over at the helm next April, replacing interim boss Ulrich Hurni, the Swiss Post announced on Thursday. Hurni has been minding the fort since Susanne Ruoff was forced to quit as CEO in June. Ruoff’s decision was sparked by a Transport Office audit that uncovered years of financial malpractice at the…
This content was published on
The state-owned PostBus company is threatened with losing bus routes in several regions, following a scandal over illegal subsidies.
Federal police launch proceedings into PostBus subsidies scandal
This content was published on
The Federal Office of Police is undertaking administrative proceedings against the Swiss Post to examine irregularities by its subsidiary PostBus.
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.