Switzerland drops Russia graft probe triggered by Magnitsky case
Swiss federal prosecutors have dropped a controversial decade-long investigation into alleged Russian money-laundering in a case that has been linked to the 2009 death in jail of Russian lawyer Sergei Magnitsky.
This content was published on
3 minutes
swissinfo.ch/jc
Русский
ru
Швейцария закрыла дело, связанное с именем Магнитского
The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) said on TuesdayExternal link that “based on its extensive enquiries, the OAG can now confirm that the investigation has not revealed any evidence that would justify charges being bought against anyone in Switzerland”.
It did, however, order the forfeiture of more than CHF4 million ($4.4 million) of the CHF18 million originally frozen, which it said could be traced to criminal activity in Russia.
The case was opened in March 2011, based on reports filed notably by the London-based Hermitage Capital Management firm of William Browder. It covered money laundering alleged to have been committed in Switzerland between 2008 and 2010, following “a fraud committed in Russia to the prejudice of Russian tax authorities at the end of 2007, which led to undue tax refunds totalling an equivalent of $230 million being made”, explains the OAG. These funds were alleged to have been laundered first in Russia and then in several other countries, including partly in Switzerland.
Browder has led a campaign to expose corruption and punish Russian officials whom he blames for the death of his lawyer Magnitsky. The lawyer was arrested in 2008 after claiming that Russian officials were involved in large-scale tax fraud. He died in jail a year later after seeking medical help and alleging mistreatment.
The OAG said its investigations had “necessitated the disclosure of information on a large number of bank accounts in Switzerland, the filing of several requests and supplementary requests for mutual assistance abroad, i.e. in Moldova, Lithuania, Russia, Cyprus and the USA”.
A substantial number of persons in Switzerland and abroad were interviewed. The circumstances surrounding Magnitsky’s death in Russia were not part of the proceedings as “the investigation of these matters falls outside the OAG’s jurisdiction”.
In reaching its decision to close proceedings, the OAG also re-examined Hermitage’s status as a complainant. It concluded that “despite extensive enquiries, it had not been possible to demonstrate that the funds under investigation in Switzerland originated from an offence committed to Hermitage’s detriment. The OAG has therefore decided to revoke Hermitage’s status as a complainant”.
The parties have the possibility to appeal within ten days.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
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.
This content was published on
In the first comprehensive independent report into the case, Gross concluded: “Corrupt officials must not be allowed to plunder State property whilst brutally silencing those standing in their way, with impunity.” The cover-up surrounding Magnitsky’s death in custody in November 2009 and the crimes he was attempting to expose must be reversed and the true…
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.