Following the attack of Ukraine by Russia almost three years ago, European States expelled many presumed spies from their territory. Switzerland has thus prohibited entry into its territory to some 240 people in 2022, a number that exploded compared to previous years.
In 2022, “approximately 240 people” were prohibited from entry for prohibited information service and espionage, said the delegation of parliament management commissions on Friday in its annual report. In previous years, the average was around 45 people.
Coordination internationale
According to the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAE), this prohibition on entry into Switzerland made it possible to guarantee that none of the people expelled by European states can come to Switzerland thereafter. The delegation welcomes this measure. The exchange with other states on alleged intelligence officers is very important, can be read in the annual report.
The Confederation Intelligence Service (SRC) receives data relating to those expelled abroad and, after consulting the DFAE, asks the Federal Police Office (Fedpol) to pronounce an entry prohibition.
Russian and Chinese threats in mind
In his 2024 reportthe SRC indicated that “in espionage, the main threat to Switzerland is currently emanating from Russian intelligence services, but Chinese intelligence services are also weighing a high threat”.
-The intelligence service also notes that “many services have ‘residences’ in Swiss territory, ie clandestine antennas, generally exploited within diplomatic representations”.
>> Review the update subject on Russian espionage in Switzerland:
>> Read also: The Russian diplomatic mission increases the number of antennas in Geneva to spy
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