Criminal proceedings opened in Switzerland for attempted violations of Russia sanctions

By Timo Kirez

GENEVA (AA) - Nearly 30 criminal proceedings were opened in Switzerland for attempted violations of sanctions against Russia, the state secretary at the Economy Ministry said on Monday.

Helene Budliger Artieda told Swiss media group Tamedia that the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs investigated 130 alleged attempts to circumvent sanctions against Russia and 29 cases were referred for criminal proceedings.

Around half of the criminal proceedings to date have now been concluded, the state secretary said.

In 36 suspicious cases, proceedings have not been opened. The remaining cases are still being examined.

Seco is also clarifying how many of the Russian central bank's assets are in Switzerland, according to Budliger Artieda.

"We are trying to be able to give a figure as soon as possible," the Seco chief said.

Switzerland has adopted almost all of the European Union's (EU) sanctions against Russia. These include entry bans, asset freezes and numerous financial measures and trade bans on certain goods.

Among the sanctions not adopted by Bern is the blocking of content from certain Russian broadcasters, namely Sputnik and Russia Today.

According to the government, it is more effective to "counter untrue and harmful statements with facts instead of banning them."