Seizing mafia assets in Switzerland: radical proposal

Context

In brief

• Proposal for preventive seizure of mafia assets in Switzerland
• Arrest of a federal police officer for mafia infiltration
• Experts: mafias study Swiss institutions

Key facts

• What: Proposal for preventive seizure of mafia assets
• When: May 7, 2026
• Where: Switzerland
• Who: Rosa Maria Cappa, former federal prosecutor
• Amount: Not specified

The arrest of a Swiss federal police officer, suspected of leaking sensitive information to a drug trafficking organization, has reignited the debate on the fight against the mafia in Switzerland. Former federal prosecutor Rosa Maria Cappa has put forward a strong proposal for the Confederation: introducing the preventive seizure of assets, exactly as Italy did to hit mafia assets. The proposal is based on the fact that mafias are 'fundamentally profit-seeking associations with mafia methods' and that 'tools are needed to cut off the oxygen to the mafias.'

The case of the federal police officer

The case of the fedpol collaborator, which emerged during an operation involving France and Germany and led to the arrest of five other people in central Switzerland, has revealed what the director of the federal police, Eva Wildi-Cortés, described as an infiltration of institutions. An investigation has been opened to shed light on the case, which, if confirmed, would represent the most serious breach in the police system tasked with combating organized crime.

The proposal for preventive seizure

Rosa Maria Cappa, a lawyer active in Lugano and former federal prosecutor, stated during the RSI broadcast dedicated to the topic: 'We should, with a difficult – I realize – legal and constitutional effort, introduce a regulation on preventive seizures on the Italian model.' She recalled a cardinal principle of the anti-mafia fight: 'First and foremost, the mafiosi must be deprived of their assets. And it's not me saying this, Giovanni Falcone used to say this.'

Experts' reactions

Nando Dalla Chiesa, a sociologist of organized crime who heads the observatory at the State University of Milan, strongly supported the proposal: 'Dr. Cappa is right, we need a far-reaching and let's say systemic reform.' However, he warned that the path will not be easy: 'Keep in mind that in Italy, for this legislation to pass, tragedies had to happen, there were national traumas, so it's not easy to then convince public opinion, convince institutional political representatives that this path must be taken, because resistances exist and are often not disinterested.'

The risk of infiltration

For the experts on organized crime who intervened during the broadcast, the arrest of the federal officer is no surprise. Annamaria Astrologo, a professor of law at the University of Italian Switzerland and scientific director of the Ticino Observatory on Organized Crime, explained: 'For those who know the official documents, this news does not surprise because the risk of infiltrations in public administrations has been identified for years.' The professor recalled that even in the 2021 Federal Council opinion, in response to Marco Romano's interpellation, 'reference is made to the fact that, according to information from foreign partner authorities, organized crime seeks to infiltrate, to influence state institutions.' Even in the anti-mafia strategy approved in December 2025 'reference is made to the fact that there is a risk of infiltration of the State and state institutions and this creates a threat to internal security.'

Operational details

• ## Implications for cross-border workers

The proposal to seize mafia assets preventively in Switzerland could have significant implications for cross-border workers in Ticino. In particular, it could influence the climate of security and the perception of the stability of the Swiss legal system. Cross-border workers could benefit from a safer work environment, with greater deterrence against criminal activities.

Comparison with the current situation

Currently, Switzerland does not have tools for the preventive seizure of mafia assets like those in Italy. This means that criminal organizations can accumulate wealth without the immediate risk of losing it. Rosa Maria Cappa's proposal aims to fill this gap, introducing a mechanism similar to Italy's, which has proven effective in hitting the assets of the mafias.

Possible scenarios

If the proposal is approved, cross-border workers could see an increase in asset seizure operations by Swiss authorities. This could lead to greater transparency and a reduction in illicit activities in the Canton of Ticino. However, it is important to note that the legislative process will be complex and could take several years to complete.

Comparison with other jurisdictions

In Italy, the preventive seizure of mafia assets was introduced for the first time in the 1990s and has proven to be an effective tool in the fight against organized crime. Switzerland, on the other hand, has a different legal system and may face unique challenges in implementing such a measure. However, the Italian experience could offer valuable lessons for Switzerland.

Impact on security

The infiltration of criminal organizations into Swiss institutions poses a threat to internal security. The proposal for preventive seizure could help reduce this risk, making it more difficult for the mafias to infiltrate public administrations. This, in turn, could improve the security of cross-border workers in Switzerland.

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Key points

What to do for cross-border workers

For cross-border workers employed in Ticino, it is important to stay informed about the latest news regarding the fight against organized crime in Switzerland. In particular, it is crucial to know your rights and the procedures to follow in case of suspected illegal activity.

Concrete steps

1. Stay informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest news about the fight against organized crime in Switzerland. Consult reliable sources and participate in public discussions on the topic. 2. Report suspicions: In case of suspected illegal activity, immediately report your concerns to the competent authorities. The report can be made anonymously to protect your identity. 3. Protect your assets: Ensure you have a clear understanding of your assets and financial activities. Maintaining accurate and transparent documentation can help protect you from potential unfounded accusations. 4. Cooperate with the authorities: In case of an investigation, fully cooperate with the competent authorities. Cooperation can help clarify any misunderstandings and protect your interests.

Useful tools

For further information and assistance, cross-border workers can use the salary calculator to better understand their financial income and expenses. Additionally, practical guides available on the website can be consulted to obtain more details on the procedures to follow in case of suspected illegal activity.

Conclusion

The proposal for the preventive seizure of mafia assets in Switzerland represents an important step in the fight against organized crime. For cross-border workers employed in Ticino, it is fundamental to stay informed and protect their interests. By using the available tools and resources, it is possible to navigate safely in an increasingly complex and challenging work environment.

Source: tvsvizzera.it