Business Corruption in Switzerland

Corruption does not impede business in Switzerland. Interactions with public officials are transparent, and corruption is not common to any particular public sector. Bribery in the private sector is a concern given the large number of business headquarters in the country and the importance of financial institutions. The Swiss Criminal Code criminalises active and passive bribery and the bribery of foreign public officials, while bribery in the private sector is criminalised under the Unfair Competition Act . A company can be criminally prosecuted and ordered to pay a fine of up to CHF 5 million for acts of corruption committed by individuals working on its behalf. Although the notion of facilitation payments does not exist in Swiss anti-bribery laws, authorities have clarified that they are considered illegal under most circumstances. Gifts and hospitality can be considered illegal depending on the value, intent and benefit obtained.

December 2015
GAN Integrity Solutions