Swiss launch fresh attempt to confiscate Yanukovych assets
Yanukovych was forced out of office in the 2014 protests.
Keystone/Andriy Mosienko/Pool
The Swiss government has decided on new measures to confiscate the assets belonging to the former Ukrainian president, Viktor Yanukovych, and his family.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone- SDA/SWI
Español
es
Suiza intenta de nuevo confiscar los bienes de Yanukóvich
The aim is to return the funds worth CHF130 million ($141 million) allegedly obtained unlawfully, to the Ukrainian people as part of an international agreement.
The move is not related to economic sanctions against Russia, the government said on Wednesday.
There is no timetable and for the assets remain frozen until the Swiss justice authorities have made a final decision on the confiscation, according to the government.
In a first step, the finance ministry has been asked to initiate confiscation proceedings with the Federal Administrative Court.
Frozen ten years ago
Yanukovych fled into exile in Russia in 2014 after mass protests against his controversial pro-Russia policy and his plans for closer ties with the European Union.
The Ukrainian judiciary accuses the then overthrown government and the ex-president’s family of massive corruption. A few days after the ouster, Switzerland froze assets of the deposed president and his entourage in Switzerland.
The Ukrainian authorities have struggled to confiscate the assets deposited in Switzerland for legal reasons and, most recently, because of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
In May 2022, the Swiss government asked the finance ministry to open the first procedures for the confiscation of the assets in excess of CHF100 million. After further checks, it now wants to confiscate an additional CHF30 million.
In Switzerland more people are being referred to electrical therapies or psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy. Are there similar approaches where you live?
Zurich council insists on Bührle art collection provenance research
This content was published on
The Zurich Cantonal Council has insisted that the Zurich Art Society and the Bührle Foundation clarify the provenance of all paintings.
Kosovo President to make first state visit to Switzerland
This content was published on
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani Sadriu is coming to Switzerland on a state visit at the invitation of the federal government.
Basel authorities clarify threatening gestures against Israel at Eurovision
This content was published on
The Basel cantonal police are investigating the alleged threatening behaviour of an anti-Israel demonstrator at the Eurovision parade.
Swiss army tests weapons systems for long-range defence
This content was published on
The Swiss army is examining the acquisition of weapons systems and ammunition to defend the country's borders over longer distances.
Trump’s promise to lower drug prices rattles Swiss pharma stocks
This content was published on
US President Trump wants to make medicines cheaper in the US, which could mean huge losses for drugmakers, including those in Switzerland.
Trial opens in Switzerland for murder case of school caretaker
This content was published on
The trial of a man who allegedly killed a 41-year-old man with three shots in the Maggia Valley in May 2023 begins on Monday.
Assets of former Ukrainian lawmaker remain frozen in Switzerland
This content was published on
The assets of former Ukrainian parliamentarian Yuri Ivanyushchenko remain frozen in Switzerland, the Federal Court has ruled.
Dictators’ funds in Switzerland – the biggest scandals
This content was published on
From Marcos to Yanukovych via Mubarak, a rogues’ gallery of former leaders who have stashed their stolen cash in Switzerland.
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.