Abstract
The systematic embezzlement of public funds is a serious and global problem. The Swiss financial centre as a possible safe haven for such funds has been increasingly affected by this situation. As a result, the legislature has made a number of efforts to prevent the placement of illicit funds in Swiss bank accounts and to facilitate the confiscation and recovery of illicit funds of politically exposed person.
From the perspective of Swiss law, the author analyses the various legal instruments available for the confiscation and recovery of illicit assets. In particular, the new federal law on the repatriation of unlawfully acquired assets of politically exposed persons is critically examined.
After a thorough investigation into the situation de lege lata, the author is suggesting urgently needed changes and amendments to the law, which will help to facilitate the return of dictator funds to the victim states in accordance with the rule of law.
From the perspective of Swiss law, the author analyses the various legal instruments available for the confiscation and recovery of illicit assets. In particular, the new federal law on the repatriation of unlawfully acquired assets of politically exposed persons is critically examined.
After a thorough investigation into the situation de lege lata, the author is suggesting urgently needed changes and amendments to the law, which will help to facilitate the return of dictator funds to the victim states in accordance with the rule of law.
| Translated title of the contribution | Dictator's assets in Switzerland: Confiscation and repatriation of illicit assets of politically exposed persons |
|---|---|
| Original language | German |
| Place of Publication | Basel |
| Publisher | Helbing Lichtenhahn Verlag |
| Number of pages | 209 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-3-7190-3214-2 |
| Publication status | Published - 2012 |