Detective Investigations into Fraud

The significant increase in fraud offences in the Confederation means that the skilled corporate investigators of our detective agency for Zurich and Switzerland are now called into action almost daily. Private individuals, companies, banks, insurers and municipalities rely on the professional support of our detectives in clarifying fraud cases: +41 44 5522 264.

Fraud Then and Now – A Never-Ending Story

Fraud is not a new phenomenon of the twentieth or twenty-first centuries but appears to be inherent to human nature. Lying, cheating and deceiving existed long before the birth of Christ: in the Old Testament (Genesis 25, 26), Jacob is described as someone focused solely on his own advantage, choosing many dishonest means to achieve it; he himself was deceived by Laban, who withheld the woman Jacob had been promised.

In modern practice, our Swiss detectives distinguish between unlawful fraud under Article 146, paragraph 1 of the Swiss Criminal Code (fraud committed to obtain financial benefits) and moral fraud, such as marital infidelity, which is not punishable under the Criminal Code but is ethically reprehensible. Since you can find information about our investigative options regarding moral fraud on our pages relating to private investigations, we shall focus here on criminal fraud, of which there are countless forms: investment fraud, goods and trade credit fraud, payroll and expense fraud, sick-leave abuse – the list seems endless.

In 2015, 11,874 fraud offences were reported in Switzerland (an increase of 24 percent on the previous year (!)), and the trend continues to rise. Our professional corporate investigators know the tricks of fraudsters and usually expose them quickly. If you have fallen victim to a fraudster, our Swiss corporate investigation team will gladly assist you in securing court-admissible evidence against the offender: kontakt@kurtz-detektei-schweiz.ch.

Fast Profits – Fast Money | Financial Fraud

"Those who knowingly conceal facts are certainly no less fraudsters than those who invent events that never occurred."
(Ammianus Marcellinus, c. 330–400 CE, Roman historian)

Investment Fraud in Financial Dealings

The Swiss are not only a hardworking nation but also a frugal one. In 2023, they saved an average of 1,460 francs per household per month – for retirement, major purchases or a home. This often painstakingly saved money attracts investment fraudsters who sense an easy target. Funds promising utopian returns are offered to investors, backed by seemingly credible assurances such as “a unique opportunity, only until day X” or “limited availability, first come, first served”. Before they know it, victims find their savings vanished into dubious schemes. Investment fraud is widespread in Switzerland – our corporate investigators in Zurich identify the perpetrators and help you recover lost assets.

Property Fraud: Worthless Real Estate and Imaginary Plots

Just as brazenly as with financial schemes, fraudsters deal in real estate. Catalogues showing attractive residential and holiday properties in remote but supposedly desirable locations are used to persuade savers to invest their money. Investors do not always have the time or opportunity to inspect the property on site and must rely on the claims of the supposedly reputable investment adviser. In many cases, a rude awakening follows when the purchased property turns out to be a ruin (so-called “scrap property”), or – as happened to one of our clients – does not exist at all.

Our Zurich detective agency assists not only after the damage has occurred. Our experienced researchers gladly work proactively on your behalf: we verify the background of the investment adviser, scrutinise the property offered, and provide you with a written report indicating whether fraudulent intentions are apparent. If required, send us a message via our contact form or call us.