Swiss attorney general accused of informal meetings tied to Brazil graft probe
The NZZ am Sonntag newspaper reported on Sunday that Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber had participated in informal, undocumented meetings related to proceedings over the Petrobras corruption case, a wide-reeling inquiry into graft at the Brazilian state-controlled energy company.
This content was published on
3 minutes
Keystone-SDA/sb
Português
pt
Procurador-Geral da Suíça manteve encontros secretos com a Lava-Jato
Recently, Lauber has been fighting accusations of wrongdoing over his use of informal undocumented meetings in probes into alleged misconduct at FIFA, the world’s soccer governing body.
Rolf Schuler, a Zurich-based lawyer representing a defendant in the Brazilian case, told the NZZExternal link that Lauber, along with other officials, had taken part in undocumented meetings in Switzerland and Brazil with a view to initiating money-laundering proceedings.
However, the lawyer told NZZ that there is no written evidence of such meetings, despite his client being charged for related costs. The accusations could not be independently verified by swissinfo.ch.
The Swiss attorney general is already under heavy pressure after the watchdog overseeing Swiss federal prosecutors recently ordered a disciplinary inquiry into a series of informal meetings between Lauber and the head of FIFA, Gianni Infantino. It criticized that such meetings had not been documented in written reports.
The Office of the Attorney General has been looking into various cases of alleged corruption involving FIFA officials dating back to 2014 under the FIFA presidency of Sepp Blatter.
Lauber has acknowledged two meetings with Infantino, saying they were intended to help advance the probe. However, he claims to have no recollection of a third meeting. He has also strongly denied accusations of lying or intentionally hiding information.
Lauber has repeatedly stressed that complex proceedings such as those related to FIFA and Petrobras could not be conducted efficiently without informal talks.
Counterattack
The report came days after Lauber went on the counterattack at a press conference in Bern on Friday, during which he criticized the independent disciplinary probe into his conduct relating to the FIFA investigation.
“It is not only a full-frontal assault on my person,” he told reporters. “In my opinion, it is also an infringement on the independence of the Office of the Attorney General.”
Lauber said it was “absurd to turn the whole thing into an institutional crisis”. He added that since the end of last year, he had ensured that all talks relating to investigative proceedings should be documented.
The two-time federal prosecutor said that he would be a candidate for another term in office. It is up to parliament to decide whether he will get a third term.
Some lawmakers have questioned his reappointment. Alfred Herr of the Swiss People’s Party told the Tages-AnzeigerExternal link that “Lauber is no longer tenable. He must be replaced.”
Heer said that such secret meetings risk jeopardising the numerous ongoing FIFA criminal proceedings.
Carlo Sommaruga, a Social Democrat, said he had been shocked by Lauber’s press conference, and warned that the prosecutor was “willing to drag his authority into the abyss. There is only one way out to save the rule of law: his departure.”
More
More
Attorney general under pressure over alleged meeting with FIFA boss
This content was published on
A probe has been opened to shed light on an alleged third meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber.
Swiss invention: 90-year anniversary of first T-bar ski lift
This content was published on
On Monday it will be 90 years since the world’s first T-bar ski lift went into service in Davos. This Swiss invention was an instant success.
Iran summons Swiss ambassador over US and Italy arrests
This content was published on
Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents US interests, to protest against the arrest in the US and Italy of two Iranians.
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.
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
Swiss Attorney General blasts disciplinary probe
This content was published on
A disciplinary investigation is being opened against Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber over informal meetings with FIFA boss Gianni Infantino.
Attorney general under pressure over alleged meeting with FIFA boss
This content was published on
A probe has been opened to shed light on an alleged third meeting between FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber.
Attorney General to seek re-election despite Football Leaks scandal
This content was published on
Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber says he did nothing wrong meeting with FIFA president Gianni Infantino, despite a FIFA corruption probe.
Football Leaks probe closed against Swiss prosecutor
This content was published on
The Valais Attorney General’s Office has closed its probe into the ties between a Valais prosecutor and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Blatter vows to sue FIFA over lost reputation and watch collection
This content was published on
Blatter was deposed as FIFA president in 2015 and later banned from football-related activities for six years. The Swiss Attorney General is also investigating the 83-year-old Swiss national for allegedly enriching himself illegally during his time as the head of football’s world governing body. But Blatter continues to fight his corner, telling both the Swiss…
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.