Switzerland Eyes Partnership with Anti-Corruption Task Force

Switzerland is considering joining a British-led task force targeting kleptocrats and recovering stolen assets. Discussions were held between British Foreign Minister David Lammy and Swiss officials, highlighting Switzerland's vital role in combating illicit finance. The task force, launched in 2017, has frozen millions in assets worldwide.

Switzerland is deliberating on joining an international task force aimed at targeting kleptocrats and recovering stolen assets, led by the UK, according to an official from the British government. This collaborative move is part of Switzerland's effort to strip its reputation as a haven for dirty money.

The discussion took place earlier this month between Britain's Foreign Minister David Lammy and the Swiss government, aimed at integrating Switzerland into the International Anti-Corruption Coordination Centre (IACCC). Lammy emphasized Switzerland's strategic importance in fighting illicit finance, and its potential membership would significantly bolster the IACCC's efforts.

Established in 2017, the IACCC task force, hosted by Britain's National Crime Agency, unites enforcement agencies from several countries, facilitating intelligence sharing and coordinated investigations. Thus far, the task force has identified and frozen billions in suspected stolen assets. Britain's leadership in this global challenge remains critical, despite facing ongoing domestic issues with money laundering.

(With inputs from agencies.)