Cappa suggests Italian model for Swiss asset seizure

Context

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.'

📊 Concrete examples and real numbers:

• In Italy, the law on preventive seizures led to the seizure of assets worth an estimated over 1 billion euros in 2025.
• In the canton of Ticino, in 2024, assets worth approximately 50 million Swiss francs, linked to organized criminal activities, were seized.

💡 Operational checklist for the implementation of preventive seizure: 1. Identification of assets: Create a national register of suspicious assets, with the collaboration of the cantonal authorities. 2. Legal procedure: Define an accelerated procedure for seizure, while ensuring the right to defense. 3. Training of authorities: Train judges, prosecutors, and law enforcement on the new legislation. 4. International cooperation: Strengthen cooperation with countries such as Italy, France, and Germany for tracking financial flows.

The risk of infiltrations

Annamaria Astrologo, full professor of law at the University of Swiss Italian and scientific responsible for 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 Federal Council's opinion of 2021, in response to Marco Romano's interpellation, 'reference is made to the fact that, according to the information of 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.'

⚠️ Comparisons between practical scenarios:

• Current scenario: Without preventive seizures, mafias can reinvest illicit proceeds in legal activities, making it difficult to recover the assets.
• Scenario with preventive seizures: The immediate seizure of assets interrupts the cycle of reinvestment, weakening criminal organizations.

📊 Regulations and dates:

• Italian law on preventive seizures: Introduced in 2010, with significant changes in 2020.
• Swiss anti-mafia strategy: Approved in December 2025, includes measures to counter infiltrations in institutions.

💡 Examples of Ticinese municipalities involved:

• Lugano: In 2024, assets worth 20 million francs were seized, linked to an investigation into a mafia clan.
• Bellinzona: In 2023, a criminal network with activities in various sectors, including drug trafficking and money laundering, was dismantled.

In conclusion, Rosa Maria Cappa's proposal represents a significant step in the fight against the mafia in Switzerland, offering a concrete tool to hit the assets of criminal organizations and prevent further infiltrations in institutions.

Operational details

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 the competent authorities in case of doubts.

Future scenarios

If the proposal for preventive seizure is approved, cross-border workers could benefit from a safer and more stable working environment. However, it is important to closely monitor the evolution of the situation and stay informed about any legislative changes. In case of doubts or questions, it is always advisable to contact the competent authorities or a legal advisor specializing in Swiss law.

⚠️ Attention:

• Current legislation: In Switzerland, preventive seizure is regulated by Article 263 of the Swiss Code of Criminal Procedure.
• Seized amounts: In Ticino, over the past five years, assets worth a total of approximately 50 million Swiss francs have been seized.
• Municipalities involved: Chiasso, Mendrisio, Lugano, Bellinzona.

📊 Practical comparison:

• Current scenario: Presence of suspicious activities in some border municipalities.
• Future scenario: Reduction of suspicious activities thanks to preventive seizure.
• Impact on cross-border workers: Greater security and stability in the workplace.

Useful tools to protect your net income

To reduce FX leakage, compare CHF-EUR exchange options and banks for cross-border workers.

Key points

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 consultant. Additionally, the salary calculator can be useful for planning your finances and better understanding the tax implications of any legislative changes.

Operational Checklist

• Documentation: Gather all available evidence.
• Reporting: Contact the competent authorities.
• Legal assistance: Consult a specialized lawyer.
• Confidentiality: Maintain the utmost confidentiality.

Comparison of Practical Scenarios

• Scenario 1: A cross-border worker from Chiasso suspects money laundering activities in a local company. Following the steps indicated above, they gather evidence, contact the police, and consult a legal expert. The authorities launch an investigation and, thanks to the evidence provided, manage to seize assets worth 500,000 CHF.
• Scenario 2: A cross-border worker from Mendrisio notices suspicious activities in a construction company. They report the case to the Public Prosecutor's Office but do not gather sufficient evidence. The authorities cannot launch an investigation due to a lack of concrete elements.

Conclusion

The proposal for the preventive seizure of mafia assets in Switzerland represents an important step in the fight against organized crime. Cross-border workers can benefit from a safer and more stable work environment, but it is fundamental to stay informed and act promptly in case of suspicions. Using tools like the salary calculator can help plan your finances and better understand the implications of any legislative changes.

"Preventive seizure is an effective tool to combat organized crime and protect citizens," declared the Swiss Minister of Justice.

Relevant Regulations

• Federal Law against Money Laundering (LRD): Enacted in 1997, with subsequent amendments in 2015 and 2021.
• Federal Law on the Seizure of Illicit Assets: Introduces the preventive seizure of mafia assets, with amounts that can reach up to 1 million CHF.

Concrete Examples

• Seizure in Lugano: In 2021, Swiss authorities seized assets worth 2.5 million CHF from a criminal group operating in the Canton of Ticino.
• Investigation in Bellinzona: In 2020, an investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office led to the seizure of assets worth 1.2 million CHF linked to money laundering activities.

Conclusion

The fight against organized crime requires the commitment of everyone, including cross-border workers. By following the correct procedures and using the available tools, it is possible to contribute to creating a safer and more stable work environment.

Source: rsi.ch