Investigation into suspected Russian agent in Switzerland
Swiss authorities suspect, according to a media report, that a Russian diplomat attempted to acquire weapons and dangerous substances. The Federal Prosecutor's Office in Bern confirmed that they have requested permission from the government to pursue a political offense in this matter. The Federal Prosecutor's Office and police have already conducted house searches as part of "preventive measures," the department told the German Press Agency.
Previously, the "Tages-Anzeiger" reported that a diplomat was under investigation who was accredited at the Russian embassy in Bern. The suspected agent was raised a few weeks before the Ukraine summit, which took place last weekend without Russian participation in Switzerland. The man is said to have built contacts in Switzerland for his procurement attempts.
To be able to investigate the case, the Federal Prosecutor's Office has also requested the lifting of immunity. Diplomats cannot be prosecuted criminally in their host country according to international law.
Additionally, the Federal Prosecutor's Office is investigating two further persons based on their own statements for suspected violations of regulations on war materials, sanctions, and export controls. "We have established that, according to the current investigation status, the Federal Prosecutor's Office has no indications of attack plans in Switzerland," it was stated.
Agents from the Federal Prosecutor's Office are currently investigating the Russian diplomat, who is under investigation for attempting to acquire weapons and dangerous substances. House searches have been conducted in Switzerland as part of the investigations.
