The Swiss voice in the world since 1935

Swiss plan to let spy agency snoop on security risk financial flows

Paradeplatz
Paradeplatz in Zurich, the heart of Switzerland's banking sector © Keystone / Walter Bieri

The Swiss government has proposed letting its spy agency penetrate the country’s famous banking secrecy to snoop on financial transactions that it suspects are funding terrorism, espionage or violent extremism.

Unveiling a draft amendment of the intelligence law for public comment, the cabinet on Thursday pointed out that the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) at present has no power to ask banks and other financial intermediaries for information on people or groups seen as security risks. Switzerland has some of the strictest domestic banking confidentiality laws in the world.

“In the event of serious threats to Switzerland’s security, the FIS will in future be able to clarify financial flows by requesting information on transactions from financial intermediaries,” a government statement said.

This could cover businesses, non-profit organisations or religious institutions suspected of helping to finance terrorist, intelligence or violent extremist activities.

The Federal Administrative Court and the defence minister would have to authorise such requests after consultations with the justice and foreign ministers.

The consultation period runs until September 9.

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

Irregular migration halved compared to the previous year

More

Irregular migration to Switzerland halves year-on-year

This content was published on Irregular migration to Switzerland has decreased significantly. The figures from January to May show that only half as many illegal stays were recorded compared to the same period last year.

Read more: Irregular migration to Switzerland halves year-on-year
UNHCR to cut around 3,500 jobs worldwide

More

UNHCR to cut around 3,500 jobs worldwide

This content was published on The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is to cut around 3,500 jobs as a result of financial cuts linked in particular to US decisions. Hundreds of temporary contracts will also be cut, the UN agency said in Geneva on Monday.

Read more: UNHCR to cut around 3,500 jobs worldwide
Confederation to relieve cantons in the enforcement of expulsions

More

Swiss government to help cantons in expelling rejected asylum-seekers

This content was published on The federal government is to provide greater relief and support to the cantons when it comes to deporting people who are not entitled to asylum in Switzerland. This is what Parliament wants. After the National Council, the Council of States also adopted a corresponding proposal on Monday.

Read more: Swiss government to help cantons in expelling rejected asylum-seekers
One in four people in Switzerland is frequently stressed

More

Quarter of Swiss frequently stressed

This content was published on One in four people in Switzerland feel stressed often or almost always. Among the under-30s, the figure is as high as 40 per cent. This is according to the "Health Forecast" study financed by health insurer Sanitas.

Read more: Quarter of Swiss frequently stressed
The permafrost in Switzerland has thawed further

More

Permafrost in Switzerland continues to thaw

This content was published on The permafrost in the Swiss Alps is thawing faster and faster. The thawed top layers of permafrost have never been as thick as they were last year. This is shown by the latest data from the Swiss permafrost monitoring network Permos.

Read more: Permafrost in Switzerland continues to thaw
Landslide in Blatten VS causes 320 million francs in damage

More

Landslide in Blatten causes CHF320 million in damage

This content was published on The landslide in Blatten VS and the resulting floods caused damage totalling CHF 320 million. Around CHF 260 million of this was due to damage to buildings and household contents, according to estimates by Swiss private insurers.

Read more: Landslide in Blatten causes CHF320 million in damage
Brienz GR closed due to landslide risk

More

Swiss village of Brienz closed due to landslide risk

This content was published on The Graubünden village of Brienz was closed again on Monday due to the risk of landslides. Rock masses on the mountain above the village recently accelerated to such an extent that they are threatening to collapse. The inhabitants have been evacuated since last November.

Read more: Swiss village of Brienz closed due to landslide risk
Failure to render assistance in the event of rape remains unpunishable

More

Failure to help rape victims remains unpunishable in Switzerland

This content was published on Failing to come to the aid of a rape victim will remain unpunishable. Against the advice of the National Council, the Council of States on Monday rejected by 30 votes to 13 a Socialist parliamentary initiative to review the current law.

Read more: Failure to help rape victims remains unpunishable in Switzerland

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

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.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR