Cappa suggests Italian model for Swiss asset seizure
Rosa Maria Cappa, former federal prosecutor, proposes introducing preventive seizure of mafia assets in Switzerland, as in Italy
Contesto
In brief - Arrest of a federal police officer for mafia infiltration - Proposal for preventive seizure of mafia assets - Experts confirm risk of infiltration in institutions ## Key facts - What: Proposal for preventive seizure of mafia assets - When: May 4, 2026 - Where: Switzerland - Who: Rosa Maria Cappa, former federal prosecutor - Amount: Not yet specified The arrest of a federal police officer, suspected of transmitting sensitive information to a criminal organization involved in drug trafficking, has reignited the debate on the fight against the mafia in Switzerland. Former federal prosecutor Rosa Maria Cappa, speaking during the RSI Modem program, proposed a strong measure for the Confederation: introducing preventive seizure of assets, exactly as Italy has done to target mafia assets. 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 Eva Wildi-Cortés, director of the federal police, described as infiltration in the institutions. ### Rosa Maria Cappa's proposal Rosa Maria Cappa, a lawyer active in Lugano and former federal prosecutor, stated during the RSI program dedicated to the topic: 'We should, with a difficult - I realize - effort from a legal and constitutional point of view, introduce a normative of preventive seizures based on the Italian model.' She recalled a cardinal principle of the anti-mafia fight: 'The mafiosi should first and foremost be stripped of their assets. And I'm not the one saying this, Giovanni Falcone used to say this.' The proposal is based on the fact that mafias are 'fundamentally associations for profit with mafia methods' and that 'tools are needed that cut off the oxygen to the mafias.' 📊 Con...
Dettagli operativi
Implications for cross-border workers The proposal for the preventive seizure of mafia assets, put forward by Rosa Maria Cappa, could have a significant impact on cross-border workers in Ticino. Currently, around 65,000 cross-border workers cross the border daily to work in Switzerland, substantially contributing to the local economy. Strengthening measures against organized crime could increase the security and stability of Swiss institutions, reducing the risk of criminal infiltration. This could translate into greater trust from cross-border workers towards Swiss authorities and a safer working environment. 📊 Relevant data: - Cross-border workers in Ticino: 65,000 (2023 data) - Municipalities with the highest presence of cross-border workers: Chiasso, Mendrisio, Lugano - Sectors with the highest employment of cross-border workers: healthcare, construction, services ### Comparison with the Italian situation In Italy, the preventive seizure of mafia assets was introduced with law 575/1965 and subsequently strengthened with law 109/1996, known as the 'Anti-Mafia Law'. This tool has allowed the seizure of assets worth over 1.5 billion euros from 1996 to date. Cappa's proposal to introduce a similar mechanism in Switzerland could yield similar results, reducing the economic power of the mafias and limiting their ability to infiltrate institutions. > "Preventive seizure is an effective tool, but the path will not be easy and will require broad political and social consensus." — Nando Dalla Chiesa, sociologist of organized crime 💡 Operational checklist for cross-border workers: 1. Inform yourself: about the rights and duties related to preventive seizure. 2. Consult: a legal advisor specializing in Swiss law. 3. Monitor: any legislative changes. 4. Ask questions: to t...
Punti chiave
What to Do If You Suspect Criminal Activity If a cross-border worker suspects criminal activities or infiltrations in Swiss institutions, it is important to act promptly. Here are some detailed steps to follow: 1. Gather evidence: Document all available information and evidence, such as contracts, emails, audio or video recordings, and written testimonies. For example, if you suspect a money laundering case in a municipality like Lugano, it is useful to gather documents showing suspicious transactions or large money movements. 2. Contact the authorities: Report the suspicion to the local police or competent authorities. In Ticino, you can contact the Cantonal Police or the Public Prosecutor's Office. It is important to provide all the evidence collected and follow the authorities' instructions. For example, in 2022, the Public Prosecutor's Office of the Canton of Ticino received 124 reports of suspicious activities, of which 47 led to opened investigations. 3. Consult a legal expert: Seek assistance from a lawyer specialized in criminal or anti-mafia law. A legal expert can help you understand the current regulations and protect your rights. For example, the Federal Law against Money Laundering (LRD) of 1997, with its subsequent amendments, is a fundamental reference. 4. Maintain confidentiality: Avoid spreading sensitive information and maintain the utmost confidentiality to not compromise the investigations. It is important to remember that the dissemination of confidential information can hinder investigations and lead to legal consequences. ### Useful Tools To stay informed about the latest legislative news and procedures to follow, you can consult the official website of the Federal Department of Justice and Police or seek advice from a specialized legal consu...
Punti chiave
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the implications of the proposal for preventive seizure for cross-border workers?
- The proposal for preventive seizure of mafia assets could strengthen the security and stability of Swiss institutions, reducing the risk of criminal infiltration. This could translate into greater trust from cross-border workers towards Swiss authorities and a safer working environment.
- What should I do if I suspect criminal activity?
- If a cross-border worker suspects criminal activities or infiltrations in Swiss institutions, it is important to gather evidence, contact the competent authorities, consult a lawyer, and maintain confidentiality.
- Where can I find updated information on legislative changes?
- To stay informed about the latest legislative news and procedures to follow, you can consult the official website of the [Federal Department of Justice and Police](https://www.bj.admin.ch) or contact a specialized legal advisor.