Three renowned investigative journalists Cecilia Anesi, Antonio Baquero, and Frederik Obermaier are avoiding Switzerland due to fears of criminal prosecution under strict banking secrecy laws.
Swiss law forbids the publication of confidential banking information, even when it involves criminal activity.
The journalists are part of a global investigation that exposed Credit Suisse's high-risk clients, including mafia ties and links to an Egyptian intelligence chief accused of torture.
Now they’re also involved in revealing details from Reyl Bank in Geneva. Their reports allege the bank deposited CHF 400m linked to the ruling family in Azerbaijan. The country is suspected of serious human rights abuses.
The data was leaked by a whistleblower, but Swiss law still holds journalists accountable for using such information.
The journalists say they’re avoiding Switzerland due to the risk of arrest. Some have turned down speaking invitations at universities – and even taking far longer flights than necessary simply to avoid changing planes here.
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