Expert meeting on the return of the illicit assets of politically exposed persons to the countries of origin

Switzerland plays a leading role in the restitution of the assets of politically exposed persons. So far it has restituted about CHF 1.7 billion to various countries of origin. The Lausanne meeting, the fifth of its kind, is part of the Lausanne Process, which seeks to promote exchanges between states affected by corruption and those whose financial centres are misused as receiving states for illicit assets.

The experts identified specific obstacles to the confiscation and restitution of the illicit assets of politically exposed persons and made practical proposals on how to solve the problem. As in previous meetings, the experts looked at specific cases. The solutions discussed could serve as the basis for possible amendments to national legislation. They could also provide stimulating ideas for the implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

This year's seminar was organised for the first time together with StAR, which was jointly founded in 2007 by the World Bank and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

Further information: FDFA,
Directorate of Public International Law
Valentin Zellweger +41 31 323 07 25

Further information:

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Address for enquiries:

Information FDFA
Bundeshaus West
CH-3003 Bern
Tel.: (+41) 031 322 31 53
Fax: (+41) 031 324 90 47
E-Mail: info@eda.admin.ch

Publisher:

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs