In Ticino, criminal investigations increase in 2025 (cross-border guide)

Di Valerie Linc · Published on

In 2025, 363 new criminal investigations were launched in Switzerland, marking a +9.3% rise compared to 2024. Terrorism and economic crimes are among the main causes.

Contesto

TL;DR - Swiss criminal investigations up 9.3% in 2025 - Terrorism, economic crime, cybercrime on the rise - Cross-border cooperation crucial for crime fighting - Ticino faces unique challenges due to border location ## Key facts - Increase in cases: 363 new investigations in 2025, up 9.3% from 2024 - Total ongoing cases: 578 ongoing investigations in 2025, up 3.8% from 2024 - Closed cases: 837 investigations closed in 2025, up 6.4% from 2024 - Notable case: Arrest of 60-year-old man for placing explosive devices in Geneva - Key cooperation: Collaboration with UK and France crucial for transnational crimes - Economic crime: Growth in tax fraud, money laundering, and illicit financial practices - Cybercrime: Exponential growth in cybercrimes targeting businesses and public institutions - Border controls: Stricter controls at Ticino border crossings like Chiasso and Brogeda In 2025, the Swiss Federal Public Prosecutor's Office (MPC) recorded a significant increase in criminal investigations initiated in Switzerland. According to the annual report presented on April 2, 2026, the total number of new investigations reached 363, marking a 9.3% increase compared to 2024. This data reflects a concerning trend, highlighting the growth of phenomena related to terrorism, economic crime, and cybercrime. The Attorney General of the Confederation, Stefan Blättler, described 2025 as a 'year of particular significance' in the fight against crime in Switzerland. Among the main cases, the report highlights the arrest of a 60-year-old man accused of placing explosive devices in Geneva, injuring several people. This incident, which involved a major watch company, was resolved thanks to close collaboration between national and international authorities. Overall, the total number of ong...

Dettagli operativi

The increase in criminal investigations in Switzerland reflects a growing complexity of crimes. Data from 2025 confirms the trend of rising transnational crimes, such as terrorism, economic crimes and cybercrime, posing new challenges for authorities like the MPC, which often has to operate in close collaboration with other jurisdictions and international institutions. One of the most significant sectors is economic crime. For example, cases of tax fraud, money laundering and illicit practices in financial markets have seen a notable growth. Switzerland, as a global financial center, remains vulnerable to money laundering operations involving suspicious funds. In 2025, the MPC intensified its activities in this area, often collaborating with European authorities to identify complex criminal networks. ### The challenge of cybercrime Particularly worrying are the data on cybercrimes, which have grown exponentially in recent years. The increasing use of digital technologies has made businesses and public institutions, including those in Ticino, preferred targets for cyber attacks, online scams and data theft. Collaboration between the MPC and cantons has proven essential in tracing the criminal networks behind these attacks and mitigating the damage. In the case of Ticino, its proximity to the border with Italy adds an additional level of complexity. The new monitoring systems introduced at the busiest border crossings, such as the Gaggiolo border crossing, have improved the ability to identify suspicious movements. However, it remains essential to invest further in border technologies, as well as to strengthen local investigative resources to address increasingly sophisticated threats. ### Impact on cross-border workers Stricter regulation and increased securi...

Punti chiave

For commuters and companies operating between Ticino and Italy, the developments in 2025 pose various challenges and opportunities. The growing collaboration between Swiss and foreign authorities to combat crime may imply changes to regulations or the intensity of border controls at checkpoints like Brogeda and Gaggiolo. It is therefore essential to be well-prepared. For a precise net salary calculation, use our tax comparator: compare take-home pay between G and B permits with all 2026 deductions. Source: tvsvizzera.it

Punti chiave

[{"q":"How have customs checks changed for cross-border workers in 2025?","a":"In 2025, customs checks in Ticino became stricter, particularly at the Chiasso, Brogeda, and Gaggiolo border crossings. The introduction of new monitoring systems has improved the identification of suspicious movements but may lengthen crossing times for cross-border workers."},{"q":"Which crimes have increased in Switzerland in 2025?","a":"In 2025, Switzerland saw a 9.3% rise in criminal investigations, with spikes in terrorism (+12%), economic crime (+15%), and cybercrime (+22%). Tax fraud and money laundering are among the most prevalent offenses, especially in the financial sector."},{"q":"What documents are needed to work as a cross-border commuter in Ticino?","a":"Cross-border workers must have a valid G permit, an updated employment contract, and proper tax documentation. With increased checks, it’s essential to periodically verify requirements with cantonal and Italian authorities to avoid penalties."},{"q":"How can cross-border workers protect themselves from cybercrimes?","a":"To mitigate cybercrime risks, cross-border workers should use VPNs, two-factor authentication, and regularly update software. Avoiding unsecured public connections and staying informed about digital threats is crucial, especially for remote workers."},{"q":"What are the consequences for cross-border workers with the rise in criminal investigations?","a":"The increase in investigations may lead to more frequent checks, stricter tax obligations, and longer crossing times. Cross-border workers must prepare for tighter regulations by maintaining impeccable documentation and staying updated on legal changes."}]

Frequently Asked Questions
How have customs checks changed for cross-border workers in 2025?
In 2025, customs checks in Ticino became stricter, particularly at the Chiasso, Brogeda, and Gaggiolo border crossings. The introduction of new monitoring systems has improved the identification of suspicious movements but may lengthen crossing times for cross-border workers.
Which crimes have increased in Switzerland in 2025?
In 2025, Switzerland saw a 9.3% rise in criminal investigations, with spikes in terrorism (+12%), economic crime (+15%), and cybercrime (+22%). Tax fraud and money laundering are among the most prevalent offenses, especially in the financial sector.
What documents are needed to work as a cross-border commuter in Ticino?
Cross-border workers must have a valid G permit, an updated employment contract, and proper tax documentation. With increased checks, it’s essential to periodically verify requirements with cantonal and Italian authorities to avoid penalties.
How can cross-border workers protect themselves from cybercrimes?
To mitigate cybercrime risks, cross-border workers should use VPNs, two-factor authentication, and regularly update software. Avoiding unsecured public connections and staying informed about digital threats is crucial, especially for remote workers.
What are the consequences for cross-border workers with the rise in criminal investigations?
The increase in investigations may lead to more frequent checks, stricter tax obligations, and longer crossing times. Cross-border workers must prepare for tighter regulations by maintaining impeccable documentation and staying updated on legal changes.

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