The current controversy in Zurich does not exist in isolation. Switzerland, often viewed as a model of integrity, has witnessed several scandals involving its own prosecutors and top justice officials over the past two decades. These cases reveal a pattern: when powerful actors within the justice system cross ethical lines, accountability becomes slow, inconsistent, or absent entirely.
FIFA Corruption Probe — Secret Meetings and Compromised Neutrality (2015–2020)
The scandal surrounding the investigation of global football corruption. Federal prosecutors, led by then Attorney General Michael Lauber, held undisclosed and undocumented meetings with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, meetings later ruled as unlawful.
Critics argued the secret contacts jeopardized the integrity of the investigation, potentially giving FIFA insight into prosecutorial strategy. The fallout led to disciplinary actions and Lauber’s resignation, marking one of the darkest chapters for the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).
Seco Corruption Case — Bribery, Delays, and Prosecutorial Leniency (2008–2023)
In Switzerland’s largest federal administration corruption scandal, a Seco official accepted CHF 1.5 million in bribes. Despite strong evidence, prosecutors delayed filing charges. Internal conflicts and questions of favoritism emerged, with observers accusing authorities of dragging their feet because state-linked actors were involved.
Operation Car Wash — Informal Telegram Chats and Mishandled Data (2014–2019)
During the massive Brazilian “Lava Jato” corruption probe, Swiss prosecutors collaborated informally with Brazilian officials through private Telegram groups. These exchanges included suspect names and confidential banking data, bypassing the formal mutual legal assistance system.
The leaked chats raised serious questions about influence, oversight, and whether Swiss-held assets were improperly exposed to foreign officials who themselves were later accused of misconduct.
Strafbefehl Overreach — Wrongful Convictions Through Summary Penalty Orders (2011–present)
Switzerland’s heavy reliance on Strafbefehle has repeatedly resulted in wrongful convictions. The magazine Beobachter documented cases where individuals, including an Afghan asylum seeker, were convicted or even jailed based on incomplete evidence or fabricated police claims.
Such incidents highlight systemic risks when prosecutors act as investigator, judge, and sentencing authority without meaningful judicial review.
Zürich Langstrasse Shooting — Alleged Cover-Up of Police Excess (2015–2020)
In a high-profile Zurich shooting where a mentally ill man was shot eleven times, cantonal prosecutors quickly classified the case as “self-defense.” Independent experts disagreed, citing excessive use of force even after the threat had subsided. The failure to pursue a deeper investigation fueled claims that prosecutors often protect police officers rather than scrutinize them.
ABB South Africa Case — Whistleblower Ignored, Delays Benefitted the Accused (2016–2022)
Federal prosecutors fined ABB CHF 4 million for failing to prevent bribery in South Africa. But the action came years after whistleblowers first raised concerns, raising suspicion that authorities delayed enforcement to avoid harming a major Swiss corporation.
Addax Petroleum Bribery Settlement — Justice for Sale? (2017)
After allegations of USD 50 million in bribes in Nigeria, Geneva prosecutors closed the case with a CHF 31 million settlement paid directly to the canton. Legal experts questioned whether this allowed the company to avoid trial and public accountability despite clear evidence of unlawful payments.