Existing user? Sign in
Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
White collar crime in Chur - the capital of the Canton of Graubünden - covers a range of non-violent, financially motivated offences such as fraud, embezzlement, bribery and corruption, money laundering, tax offences, accounting and corporate misconduct, and insider trading. Cases may be handled at the cantonal level by Graubünden authorities when the conduct and victims are primarily local. When cases involve cross-border elements, large-scale financial institutions, or national interests they can attract federal authorities.
Swiss law treats white collar offences seriously. Investigations commonly involve document and electronic evidence review, bank-account and business-record tracing, asset freezes, and cooperation requests to foreign authorities. Proceedings follow the Swiss Code of Criminal Procedure, and accused persons have procedural rights such as counsel, the presumption of innocence, and the opportunity to inspect parts of the case file subject to legal limits.
White collar matters are complex, fact-intensive, and can lead to serious criminal and civil consequences. You should consider engaging a lawyer in any of the following situations:
- You have been notified that you are under investigation, questioned by police, or summoned by the public prosecutor.
- Authorities execute a search, seize documents or devices, or freeze accounts connected to you or your business.
- You received a charge, indictment, or notice of criminal proceedings.
- Your company is facing regulatory enforcement, sanctions by a supervisory authority, or an internal allegation of misconduct.
- You received a demand for restitution, a civil claim linked to the alleged criminal conduct, or threats of bankruptcy.
- You are a whistleblower or witness and need advice on protection, confidentiality and potential repercussions.
- You are considering voluntary disclosure or cooperation with prosecutors and want to understand legal risks and potential benefits.
The legal framework relevant to white collar crime in Chur draws on both federal and cantonal laws:
- Swiss Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch - StGB) provides the substantive offences such as fraud, embezzlement, bribery, and other economic crimes.
- Swiss Code of Criminal Procedure (Strafprozessordnung - StPO) sets out investigation and trial procedures, including rights of the accused, search and seizure rules, pre-trial detention, and evidence rules.
- Anti-Money Laundering Act and related ordinances impose reporting and due-diligence obligations on financial intermediaries and enable measures against laundering.
- Financial market regulation and supervisory law governed by FINMA rules and the FINMA Act can give rise to administrative enforcement and sanctions for regulated entities.
- Cantonal provisions and administrative rules in Graubünden govern local prosecutorial practice, policing and some procedural steps at the cantonal courts.
Jurisdiction - Many white collar offences are prosecuted by the cantonal public prosecutor when the conduct is local. The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (Bundesanwaltschaft) may take over when there are federal or international aspects. Parallel civil liability and regulatory proceedings are common.
White collar crime is a broad category covering economic and financial offences committed for financial gain or to conceal wrongdoing. Typical examples include fraud, embezzlement, breach of trust, corruption, bribery, money laundering, tax offences and market misconduct. Whether conduct is treated as "white collar" depends on the factual pattern and legal elements of the offence under Swiss law.
Investigations are usually conducted by the cantonal police and the Staatsanwaltschaft (public prosecutor) of the Canton of Graubünden. For cases with cross-border or national importance - such as complex international fraud or large-scale money laundering - the federal Office of the Attorney General may take charge, sometimes in cooperation with federal agencies.
You have the presumption of innocence and the right to remain silent, the right to be informed of the accusations, the right to consult a lawyer, and procedural protections under the Code of Criminal Procedure. Searches and seizures must be legally authorised and documented. If you are questioned, you should avoid volunteering explanations without legal advice.
Yes. Companies may face criminal consequences through fines, administrative sanctions, and supervisory actions. Directors and employees can be personally charged for their roles. Enforcement can lead to heavy financial penalties, remedial orders by regulators, and reputational damage.
Traditional bank secrecy has been reduced significantly in criminal investigations. Courts and prosecutors can obtain account information, and Switzerland cooperates with foreign authorities under mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. Financial institutions also have AML obligations that require reporting suspicious transactions.
Penalties depend on the offence and severity and can include monetary penalties, imprisonment, confiscation of illicit profits, and civil liability for damages. Companies may face fines, regulatory sanctions and restrictions. Sentences and fines are determined case-by-case under the Criminal Code.
Duration varies widely. Simple matters can be resolved in months, while complex investigations involving forensic accounting, cross-border evidence and multiple parties can take years. Timelines are influenced by the scope of the investigation, cooperation from third parties, and appeals.
Self-reporting can sometimes reduce penalties or lead to more favourable handling, especially where cooperation is meaningful. However, it carries risks - for example, triggering broader investigations or civil claims. Discuss the facts with an experienced lawyer before making any report.
Yes. If you cannot afford private counsel you may apply for legal aid at the cantonal level. Eligibility depends on your financial situation and the importance of the case. A court can also appoint a defence counsel in certain situations, particularly if removal of liberty is at stake.
Act promptly but carefully. Preserve documents and electronic records, limit access to sensitive materials, consider a privileged internal investigation led by experienced counsel, and avoid destroying evidence. Notify insurers if appropriate and obtain legal advice on regulatory notification obligations and employee rights.
Useful bodies and organisations to contact or research when dealing with white collar issues in Chur include:
- Staatsanwaltschaft des Kantons Graubünden - the cantonal public prosecutor handling criminal investigations in Graubünden.
- Kantonspolizei Graubünden - cantonal police responsible for investigations and evidence collection.
- Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland - for federal-level investigations and cross-border cases.
- Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland (MROS) - the national financial intelligence unit for suspicious-transaction reporting.
- Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) - regulator and supervisor for banks, insurers and financial intermediaries with enforcement powers.
- Cantonal courts of Graubünden and the Federal Criminal Court - for trial and appellate proceedings.
- Cantonal bar or lawyers associations - for referrals to local defence counsel experienced in white collar matters.
- Non-governmental organisations such as Transparency-focused groups and professional associations offering compliance guidance and training.
If you suspect you are involved in, or are being investigated for, a white collar offence in Chur - follow these practical steps:
- Preserve evidence: Do not delete documents, emails or electronic records. Secure physical and digital files and log any actions that affect evidence.
- Limit communications: Avoid discussing the matter with colleagues, potential witnesses, or on social media. Direct all queries to your lawyer.
- Seek specialised legal advice promptly: Contact a lawyer with experience in white collar defence and knowledge of Graubünden procedures and federal coordination. Early counsel can help shape strategy, interact with prosecutors and protect rights.
- Prepare for the initial meeting: Gather relevant documents, timelines, and any communications that relate to the allegation. Be honest with your lawyer so they can assess risks and options.
- Consider investigative and compliance measures: For companies, consider an internal review conducted under legal privilege if available, remedial measures, and communication plans for stakeholders.
- Explore cooperation strategies and liability exposure: Discuss with counsel whether voluntary cooperation, negotiated resolutions, or contesting the charges is appropriate given the facts and law.
- Check funding and legal aid options: Clarify fee arrangements, insurance coverage for defence costs, or eligibility for legal aid if needed.
White collar matters are legally and factually demanding. Acting quickly, preserving evidence, and engaging experienced local counsel will give you the best chance to protect your legal position and limit adverse consequences.
