this post was submitted on 23 Oct 2024
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The greatest espionage threat to Switzerland currently comes from the Russian intelligence services, the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service’s (FIS) says in its latest report. The threat to Switzerland from the Chinese intelligence services is also high. Numerous services maintain covert bases in Switzerland, known as residencies. These usually operate out of diplomatic missions.

The war against Ukraine and the escalating power political confrontation worldwide have increased the hybrid threat to countries including Switzerland, in particular from Russian influence activities. As far as the issue of proliferation is concerned, Russia's attempt to circumvent Western sanctions via private companies in third countries poses a major challenge to Swiss export controls on dual-use goods subject to licence.

Violent right-wing and left-wing extremist groups are continuing their activities as normal, the report also says. The threat posed by both violent right-wing and violent left-wing extremism has stabilised at a heightened level.

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[–] 0x815 1 points 2 months ago

This is somewhat related:

A survey of Swiss banks has highlighted international sanctions imposed on other countries, such as against Russia over Ukraine, as the greatest geopolitical risk to their business

The report by the Swiss Bankers Association (SBA) and consultants zeb said on Thursday that Swiss policymakers should develop an approach to sanctions that ensures neutral Switzerland remains a safe haven for banks and their customers [..]

Shortly after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, Switzerland decided to adopt EU sanctions against Moscow. One measure was to freeze assets belonging to sanctioned Russians.

August Benz, deputy head of the SBA, raised concerns about Switzerland’s rapid adoption of sanctions [...]

According to bankers, Switzerland’s clear stance on the Ukraine war has raised fears among foreign customers that it could support further Western sanctions in the future.

And:

Switzerland praises China-Brazil peace plan for Ukraine

Switzerland says its view on the Chinese plan has significantly changed in recent months Ukraine expresses disappointment in Swiss position