The Swiss justice authorities have opened a criminal probe into a suspected kickback scheme in Ecuador involving commodity trading companies in Geneva.
This content was published on
1 minute
swissinfo.ch/ug
Español
es
La fiscalía suiza investiga el escándalo de los sobornos en Ecuador
The proceedings are aimed at clarifying “whether in relation to this complex of facts any offences could have been committed on Swiss soil”, the Office of the Attorney General said in a statementExternal link on Wednesday.
The office said its investigation was based on court documents issued in the United States about a former employee (who later worked as a consultant) of a group of Swiss-based oil trading companies allegedly involved in bribery and money laundering.
The presumption of innocence applies to all those potentially involved the office added – but it declined to give further information.
The NGO Public EyeExternal link has welcomed the announcement by the prosecutor’s office but it criticised the Swiss government for its alleged refusal to take action to stem “obvious risks of corruption by the Swiss commodity sector.”
In April, a former representative for the commodities giant Gunvor pleaded guilty to helping channel more than $22 million (CHF20.3 million) in bribes to high-level officials in Ecuador in exchange for lucrative contracts with the state-run oil company.
Swiss foreign minister backs Berset at Council of Europe
This content was published on
Cassis described Berset as the "ideal candidate" to help the Council realise its aim of ensuring security and peace in Europe.
Gay conversion therapy banned in Swiss canton of Valais
This content was published on
On Thursday, the canton approved a new Health Act which includes a ban on therapies aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity.
This content was published on
Some aspects of pro-Palestine sit-ins have gone too far, but the right to protest and debate must be upheld, the student association has said.
Swiss LGTBIQ helpline: attacks more than doubled in 2023
This content was published on
Three organisations jointly operating a helpline have called for more awareness, action and funding to address discrimination.
This content was published on
Switzerland's economy grew slightly at the start of 2024, with growth in the service sector contrasting with weak growth in industry.
Swiss employment rate rises in first quarter of 2024
This content was published on
The number of women and foreign nationals in employment increased particularly strongly, the Federal Statistical Office said on Thursday.
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
Vitol pays $160 million to settle Petrobras related fraud case
This content was published on
The bribery allegations surfaced during the “Operation Carwash” corruption probe into Brazilian state energy company Petrobras. This led to a United States indictment that accused Vitol employees of bribing officials in Brazil, Ecuador and Mexico. While Vitol was not obliged to plead guilty to the charges under the terms of the deferred prosecution agreement, it did acknowledge…
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.