Fact Check: The Swiss Federal Supreme Court stated that the assets linked to Viktor Yanukovych cannot be withdrawn before a decision is made on their confiscation.

Fact Check: "The Swiss Federal Supreme Court stated that the assets linked to Viktor Yanukovych cannot be withdrawn before a decision is made on their confiscation."

What We Know

The Swiss Federal Supreme Court recently upheld the freezing of assets linked to Viktor Yanukovych, the former president of Ukraine. According to reports, the court's decision confirmed that these assets cannot be released until a final decision regarding their confiscation is made (Swissinfo, Mezha). The Swiss Federal Council had initiated these asset freezes in response to concerns about illicitly acquired assets linked to politically exposed persons in Ukraine, particularly following Yanukovych's ousting in 2014 (Reuters, STEP).

Analysis

The claim that the Swiss Federal Supreme Court stated that the assets linked to Viktor Yanukovych cannot be withdrawn before a decision on their confiscation is supported by multiple credible sources. The court's ruling, as reported by Swissinfo and Mezha, explicitly states that the assets will remain frozen pending the outcome of the confiscation proceedings. This aligns with Switzerland's legal framework regarding the handling of assets linked to foreign politicians accused of corruption or other illicit activities.

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news outlets with a history of accurate reporting. The information provided by Reuters and STEP corroborates the court's decision and the legal context surrounding the asset freezes. Furthermore, the Swiss Federal Council's actions are consistent with international norms regarding the treatment of assets linked to corruption.

Conclusion

The claim that the Swiss Federal Supreme Court stated that the assets linked to Viktor Yanukovych cannot be withdrawn before a decision is made on their confiscation is True. The court's ruling is clear and supported by multiple credible sources, confirming that the assets will remain frozen until the confiscation process is resolved.

Sources

1. Swiss seek to confiscate $140 million linked to ex-Ukraine President Yanukovych
2. Swiss court rejects appeal to release funds linked to former Ukraine regime
3. Swiss government prepares to confiscate frozen assets of former Ukrainian president Yanukovych
4. Switzerland Maintains Asset Freeze on Fugitive Ukrainian Ex-President Yanukovych
5. Federal Supreme Court: Account freezes on Ukraine ordered by the federal council remain in place
6. Over CHF 130 million from entourage of former Ukrainian president Yanukovych
7. Swiss move to confiscate assets of ally of ex-Ukrainian leader
8. Swiss Court Rejects Appeal To Release Funds Linked To Former Ukraine Regime