(Neue Zürcher Zeitung) Last November, in the wake of Hamas’ attack on Israel, the Swiss federal police’s Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland (MROS) issued a warning to Swiss financial intermediaries including banks, insurance companies, asset managers and payment service providers. The warning caused quite a stir.
In its appeal, the MROS explicitly pointed out the possible misuse of charitable organizations, warning that campaigns to finance terrorism are often carried out under the guise of appeals for humanitarian aid donations. Such requests could be made on behalf of associations, charitable organizations or private initiatives, the authorities noted.
Since this warning was circulated, the MROS, which reports to the Federal Office of Police, has received around two dozen reports regarding suspicious activity, according to Federal Police spokesman Christoph Gnägi in response to an NZZ inquiry. According to Gnägi, the reports have mainly been related to money transfers for the purpose of humanitarian aid.
