Oil trading in Ecuador: Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland opens investigation
Bern, 30.06.2021 - The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) has opened a criminal investigation based in particular on court documents issued in criminal proceedings conducted by the authorities in the USA. The latter authorities investigate the suspected bribery of Ecuadorian public officials and money laundering allegedly committed by a former employee of a group of commodity trading companies based notably in Geneva. The Swiss investigation aims to clarify whether in relation to this complex of facts any offences could have been committed on Swiss soil.
The United States of America is investigating the suspected bribery of Ecuadorian public officials and money laundering that was allegedly committed by a former employee of and subsequent consultant to a group of commodity trading companies based notably in Geneva.
After examining court documents issued in the criminal proceedings conducted by the authorities in the USA, and in accordance with its legal mandate, the OAG intends to clarify whether any offences of bribery of foreign public officials related to the complex of facts under investigation in the USA could have been committed in Switzerland. The OAG therefore opened a criminal investigation in June 2021 against persons unknown on suspicion of bribery of foreign public officials (Art. 322septies of the Criminal Code).
The presumption of innocence applies to all those potentially involved.
No further information will be provided at this stage.
Address for enquiries
Communication Service of the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland, info@ba.admin.ch
Publisher
Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland
http://www.ba.admin.ch/
