Worker at Swiss embassy in Moscow accused of embezzlement
Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow
Keystone
A local employee of the Swiss embassy in MoscowExternal link is said to have falsified bills, medical certificates and disability certificates for years, thus obtaining money by fraud. The accused, currently on trial, was immediately released from her duties in mid-February.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/ts
Русский
ru
Сотрудница консульства Швейцарии в Москве годами воровала деньги
The case was reported on Thursday by Swiss public radio, SRF. The Swiss foreign ministry confirmed the information at the request of the Swiss News Agency, Keystone-SDA.
The illegal practices appear to have come to light following a report by a Swiss citizen who wanted to marry his Russian girlfriend. To get married in Switzerland, he had to fill out some papers in the Moscow embassy and was presented with a bill. However, the couple noticed that they weren’t given a receipt.
The Swiss embassy in Moscow then analysed numerous documents involving the accused. This investigation uncovered a wide range of criminal acts.
Proof of allegations
The Swiss foreign ministry estimates the amount of damage to the embassy to be around CHF75,000 ($76,000).
The Swiss embassy in Moscow with the old building on the left and the new building on the right
Keystone
“The embassy has proof of the allegations made against the person and can document the cases,” said ministry spokesman Tilman Renz.
He added that the responsible Russian ministry had also confirmed to the embassy that the invalidity certificate used by the accused was forged. On the basis of these facts, criminal charges have been filed against the woman, Renz said. The proceedings are currently in progress.
The Swiss foreign ministry said that after the accused was dismissed she made accusations against the management of the Swiss embassy in Moscow. However, the foreign ministry has since been able to refute the accusations.
“The ministry has no evidence of incorrect conduct and therefore expresses its full confidence in the work of Ambassador Yves Rossier and the team of the Swiss embassy in Moscow,” it said.
More
More
Opening of Swiss embassy in Moscow sponsored by Russian oligarch
This content was published on
Russian billionaire Gennady Timchenko was among those who sponsored the recent inauguration of the new Swiss embassy building in Moscow.
Swisscom receives greenlight for acquisition of Vodafone Italia
This content was published on
The takeover of Vodafone Italia by Swisscom is nearing completion. All relevant authorities have now approved the €8 billion (CHF7.45 billion) deal.
Novo Nordisk stock market plunge drags down Swiss device maker Ypsomed
This content was published on
The Danish pharmaceutical giant, Novo Nordisk, faced setbacks on Friday that weighed on the share price of Swiss injection device manufacturer Ypsomed.
Swiss press react to EU deal with mix of euphoria and scepticism
This content was published on
Swiss media reaction to the agreement between Switzerland and the EU varies widely. Some are celebrating, while others worry about what is to come.
Swiss Solidarity donations to tackle child abuse top CHF4 million
This content was published on
Swiss Solidarity, the humanitarian arm of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation (SBC), has raised over CHF4 million ($4.3 million) to tackle child abuse.
EU Commission president says Swiss-EU deal is ‘historic’ agreement
This content was published on
At a joint media conference with Swiss President Viola Amherd in Bern, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke of a "day of joy".
Switzerland and EU reach deal on future bilateral relations
This content was published on
Switzerland and the European Union have announced a political agreement to update their trading relationship after almost a decade of difficult talks.
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
Russia summons Swiss ambassador over spying claim
This content was published on
Russia's foreign ministry has summoned Switzerland's ambassador to Moscow for an explanation over Swiss accusations of alleged Russian spying.
This content was published on
Swiss firms start to feel the heat both in Russia and at home as the Ukraine crisis and Russian sanctions start to hinder trade.
This content was published on
At least since the shooting down of a Malaysian Airline plane over Ukraine in mid-July, the 28 member states of the EU seem to stand united, deciding to extend economic sanctions against Russia. Not so Switzerland. As a non-EU member, it is insisting on its traditional neutrality and its position as current head of the…
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.