The national financial watchdog has renewed calls for closer inspections of public funds paid to companies hit by government restrictions during the Covid pandemic.
This content was published on
2 minutes
swissinfo.ch/urs
Português
pt
Agência de fiscalização revê pagamentos de compensação da Covid
In its latest report, the Federal Audit OfficeExternal link said it noted “a high number” of cases of suspected fraud or inaccurate data.
Nearly 35,000 companies handed in about 52,000 requests for financial assistance by the end of last November. The total amount paid out as part of “hardship cases” comes to more than CHF5 billion ($5.4 billion), the office said on Monday.
Possible wrongdoing includes providing erroneous information about the business activities of a company, the payment of dividends to shareholders or claiming excessive financial benefits.
The office also examined the payout of short-time working compensation. Under this scheme, more than CHF14 billion was granted to some 160,000 companies between March 2020 and December 2021.
Losses
Under another scheme, the government also offered loan guarantees which led to losses of CHF324 million by the end of last year.
There were more than 5,800 cases of suspected irregularities where authorities demanded adjustments or reported a criminal offence.
The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs which oversaw the compensation payments downplayed the findings of the audit office.
Three financial pillars, also including a loss-of-earnings scheme, were set up last year to soften the impact of government restrictions imposed to contain the spread of Covid. The audit office monitors the payments and reports on a regular basis.
Swisscom finalises financing for Vodafone Italia takeover
This content was published on
Telecoms group Swisscom has taken the next step in its takeover of Vodafone Italia and secured financing for the deal, the company said on Thursday.
Switzerland commits CHF50 million to combat rural poverty worldwide
This content was published on
The Federal Council approved a contribution of CHF49.5 million ($54.1 million) for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
Arrests made in raid against Turkish criminal organisation
This content was published on
A cross-border raid against a Turkish criminal organisation was conducted, including property searches in cantons Aargau and Zurich.
Up to 4,000 Swiss army soldiers to protect Ukraine peace conference
This content was published on
The Federal Council has authorised deployment of army personnel for the Ukraine peace conference on the Bürgenstock in June.
This content was published on
The business association, Swissmem, reports that there are increasing signs that the bottom of the downturn will be reached this year.
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
More cases of suspected illegal Covid payments reported
This content was published on
The financial watchdog says more than 200 Swiss firms paid dividends despite a ban as they benefited from credits during the Covid crisis.
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.