The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Seco) is investigating Open Mineral, a commodities trader based in Baar, Switzerland, for potential violations of sanctions against Russia. The investigation concerns the alleged trading of gold from Russia, which would be a breach of sanctions implemented after the invasion of Ukraine. Open Mineral confirmed it is cooperating with authorities after a search of its premises last week. Seco confirmed the September 11th search in the canton of Zug and stated that the proceedings target two individuals and unknown persons.
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India to Switzerland: Don’t preach on minorities while ignoring your own. The crux of the matter, distilled from the various opinions swirling around, is a pointed exchange between India and Switzerland at the UN Human Rights Council. Switzerland, in its role as the current UNHRC president, brought up concerns about India’s treatment of minorities and freedom of expression. This prompted a rather unexpected response from India, a response that, frankly, raised eyebrows and set the stage for a broader discussion about hypocrisy and the complexities of international diplomacy.
India, in its reply, wasn’t shy about turning the tables. Instead of directly addressing Switzerland’s concerns, the Indian diplomat delivered a message of sorts, stating that India, as a “vibrant democracy,” was ready to help Switzerland with its own issues, specifically citing racism, systematic discrimination, and xenophobia.… Continue reading
A businessman was convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl during a flight from Mumbai to Zurich. The man, who had been on a business trip, repeatedly touched the sleeping victim and performed sexual acts on her. Upon the plane’s arrival, the man was arrested and later confessed to the crime, receiving a suspended sentence of one and a half years for rape and sexual acts with a child. The judge deemed the sentence lenient, and the man was also banned from entering Switzerland for five years, prohibited from contact with minors, and was deported.
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Swiss politicians from various parties are now advocating to cancel the F-35A fighter jet purchase from Lockheed Martin following the imposition of harsh tariffs by President Trump. The proposed purchase, which could cost up to 7.3 billion Swiss francs, has become a contentious topic due to a pricing misunderstanding and the recent tariffs, especially since the 39% rate on Swiss exports is among the highest for developed countries. Some lawmakers are calling for a renewed plebiscite, or an immediate halt to the contract. This potential change of direction comes as Switzerland aims to strengthen defense collaborations with European partners, given its existing security policy.
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The US imposed a 39% tariff on Swiss imports of 1kg gold bars, a move that sent gold futures to a record high. This decision followed a ruling letter clarifying that certain gold bar imports were not exempt from tariffs, impacting a major player in the global gold refining industry. Switzerland, a dominant force in gold exports, saw its exports to the US surge in the first quarter of 2025 as investors sought refuge in gold amidst trade uncertainties. The Swiss precious metals association noted this impact on trade balance and expressed concern over the economic viability of exporting gold to the US.
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The potential purchase of 36 F-35A fighter jets from Lockheed Martin is under scrutiny by Swiss politicians amid rising trade tensions. Calls to cancel or reconsider the deal, valued at up to 7.3 billion Swiss francs, have intensified following President Trump’s imposition of significant tariffs on Switzerland. This development reflects growing political pressure and economic concerns in response to the US trade actions. The fate of the jet order remains uncertain as discussions and debates continue within Switzerland’s political landscape.
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Switzerland’s parliament has officially criminalized stalking, unanimously approving a revised Criminal Code. The new law addresses obsessive harassment, particularly prevalent in marital relationships, allowing for automatic prosecution in such cases. Victims will be required to file complaints regardless of the context. This decision follows prolonged debate regarding the prosecution process and the necessity of victim cooperation.
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Following a 2024 House of Representatives vote, the Swiss Senate has approved a ban on the sale of disposable vapes. Concerns regarding the products’ high nicotine content, appealing designs targeting youth, and environmental impact fueled the ban. Despite initial government opposition citing potential trade barriers and a lack of EU-wide action, the ban passed, with the Health Minister ultimately accepting the decision. Several European countries and Swiss cantons have already implemented similar measures.
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Three Ukrainian citizens were arrested—two in Germany and one in Switzerland—on suspicion of carrying out sabotage on behalf of Russia. The suspects allegedly planned arson and explosive attacks on German freight transport, potentially including an incident involving a DHL plane. The German Federal Prosecutor’s Office is leading the investigation, citing the case’s significance. The arrests follow warnings from German intelligence agencies regarding increased Russian espionage and sabotage activities within the country.
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Switzerland has frozen CHF7.4 billion ($8.4 billion) in Russian assets, a CHF1.6 billion increase from the previous year. This rise reflects the identification and subsequent freezing of additional assets. Furthermore, 14 real estate properties belonging to sanctioned individuals and entities have been seized. Criminal proceedings have been initiated by the Swiss Attorney General following a SECO investigation, resulting in an additional CHF1.65 billion in super-provisional asset freezes.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood