Fact Check: "The Federal Council of Switzerland ordered the blocking of assets linked to politically exposed persons in 2022 and 2023."
What We Know
In 2022 and 2023, the Federal Council of Switzerland implemented measures to freeze assets belonging to individuals associated with former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych. This action was taken under the Federal Act on the Freezing and Restitution of Illicit Assets held by Foreign Politically Exposed Persons (FIAA) (source-1, source-2). The Federal Supreme Court confirmed that these asset freezes remain in effect, rejecting appeals against the measures (source-3). The freezing of assets is part of Switzerland's broader commitment to prevent the withdrawal of illicitly acquired assets from politically exposed persons (source-4).
Analysis
The claim that the Federal Council ordered the blocking of assets linked to politically exposed persons in 2022 and 2023 is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The Federal Council's actions are based on legal frameworks designed to address the illicit acquisition of assets by foreign political figures. The FIAA allows for the freezing of assets to support judicial authorities in their criminal proceedings (source-2).
The Federal Supreme Court's recent rulings affirm the legality and necessity of these asset freezes, indicating that the appeals against the measures were unsuccessful due to the fulfillment of legal requirements for such actions (source-1, source-3). The sources used in this analysis are reputable, including official government statements and judicial rulings, which lend credibility to the information presented.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the Federal Council of Switzerland ordered the blocking of assets linked to politically exposed persons in 2022 and 2023 is accurate. The evidence from multiple reliable sources confirms that these measures were legally instituted and upheld by the Swiss judicial system.
Sources
- Swiss court rejects appeal to release funds linked to former ...
- Freezing of assets
- Federal Supreme Court: Account freezes on Ukraine ...
- Asset confiscation in Switzerland
- Using full legal means to confiscate illicit assets in a time of war
- Asset Recovery in cases of foreign politically exposed ...
- Swiss Court Rejects Appeal To Release Funds Linked To ...
- Money laundering and sanctions (2023)