Fact Check: "The Swiss Federal Council ordered the blocking of assets linked to politically exposed persons from Ukraine in 2022 and 2023."
What We Know
The Swiss Federal Council has indeed taken measures to freeze assets linked to politically exposed persons (PEPs) from Ukraine, particularly those associated with former President Viktor Yanukovych. According to the Federal Act on the Freezing and Restitution of Illicit Assets held by Foreign Politically Exposed Persons (FIAA), the Federal Council can implement asset freezes in special situations, such as political regime collapses. This legal framework has been in place since July 1, 2016.
In 2022 and 2023, the Federal Council ordered the freezing of assets belonging to individuals connected to Yanukovych, which has been confirmed by the Federal Supreme Court. The court upheld the asset freezes, stating that these assets cannot be withdrawn until a decision on their confiscation is made, as indicated in a recent ruling (Swissinfo). The total assets under consideration for confiscation are estimated to exceed CHF 130 million, as detailed in various reports (Plurilingua, Basel Governance).
Analysis
The evidence supporting the claim is robust. The Swiss Federal Council's actions are grounded in established legal frameworks, specifically the FIAA, which allows for the freezing of assets linked to illicit activities by foreign PEPs. The Federal Supreme Court's ruling reinforces the legitimacy of these actions, confirming that the asset freezes remain in effect due to ongoing legal proceedings regarding the illicit nature of the assets.
Additionally, the Federal Council's press release and various news reports (Swissinfo, Bluewin) corroborate the timeline and specifics of the asset freezes, indicating that these measures were indeed ordered in 2022 and 2023. The consistency across multiple credible sources enhances the reliability of this information.
However, it is important to note that while the freezing of assets is a significant step, the actual process of confiscation is complex and may take time, as indicated by ongoing legal proceedings. The Federal Supreme Court's decisions reflect the challenges faced by the Ukrainian authorities in fulfilling the requirements for mutual legal assistance, which further complicates the situation (Swissinfo, Menafn).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the Swiss Federal Council ordered the blocking of assets linked to politically exposed persons from Ukraine in 2022 and 2023 is accurate. The actions taken by the Federal Council are well-documented and supported by legal frameworks, court rulings, and credible news sources. The ongoing asset freezes are a direct response to the illicit nature of the assets associated with former President Yanukovych and his entourage.
Sources
- Freezing of assets
- Swiss court rejects appeal to release funds linked to former ...
- Federal Supreme Court: Account freezes on Ukraine ...
- Asset confiscation in Switzerland
- Over CHF 130 million from entourage of former Ukrainian ...
- Using full legal means to confiscate illicit assets in a time of war
- Swiss Court Rejects Appeal To Release Funds Linked To ...
- Switzerland's inconsistent response to the war in Ukraine
