Financial Crime Investigation Techniques in Switzerland Take Center Stage
In the ongoing fight against financial crime, Swiss investigators have developed cutting-edge techniques to track down and prosecute perpetrators. At the forefront of these efforts is the creation of a comprehensive subject profile.
Building a Subject Profile
A subject profile involves collecting and recording basic information about the target individual or entity. This includes:
- Name, date and place of birth, aliases, passports, national identity cards, and other identifying documents
- Information on family members, business associates, and acquaintances
- Recent photographs, fingerprints, and criminal records
Gathering Financial Data and Evidence
As investigators build their subject profiles, they must also collect financial data and other evidence to establish a solid case for trial. This may involve gathering documents from:
- Government agencies
- Financial institutions
- Law firms
- Other sources, including the internet and social media platforms
Utilizing Open-Source Information
Open-source information plays a crucial role in Swiss financial crime investigations. This includes:
- Publicly available records such as property deeds, birth certificates, and corporate filings
- Private databases and online sources like social media profiles and news articles
Tracking Down Assets
Swiss investigators are also utilizing advanced techniques to track down assets held by targets, their families, and associates. These may include:
- Real estate records
- Bank statements
- Information from government agencies such as the Financial Action Task Force (FATF)
Leveraging Intelligence Reports
Practitioners are using investigative reporting and nongovernmental organization reports to gather intelligence and build their cases. Examples of these sources include:
- The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ)
- Global Witness
- Public Eye
Coordination with Foreign Authorities
As investigations unfold, Swiss authorities must be prepared to share information with foreign counterparts and coordinate efforts across jurisdictions. This requires:
- A deep understanding of international financial crime laws and regulations
- The ability to adapt investigative techniques to meet the unique challenges of each case
By employing these advanced techniques and staying ahead of the curve in terms of technological innovation, Swiss investigators are able to stay one step ahead of financial criminals and bring them to justice.