Switzerland and Angola sign agreement on the restitution of Angolan assets

The backdrop to the restitution are judicial proceedings of the Genevan judicial authorities regarding alleged money laundering, which at the end of 2008 led to the confiscation of the assets now to be restituted. 

According to the terms of the agreement, the assets will be used for development projects designed to benefit the Angolan people. Switzerland and Angola will implement the agreement jointly. The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is responsible for its implementation on behalf of Switzerland.  

For over 20 years, Switzerland has been committed to preventing its financial centre from being misused as a safe haven for illicitly acquired assets. Internationally, it plays a pioneering role in the restitution to the countries of origin of assets stolen by politically exposed persons. The World Bank estimates that worldwide about USD 5 billion were repatriated to the countries concerned over the last fifteen years. With over CHF 1.7 billion, Switzerland contributed a good one third of this, more than any other financial centre. Switzerland ensures that the assets are restituted transparently and used to make a concrete contribution to improving the living conditions of the population in the affected countries.  

Further enquiry:

Information FDFA, +41 (0)31 322 31 53, info@eda.admin.ch

Further information:

Illicit assets of politically exposed persons (PEPs)
Website of the SDC in Angola

Address for enquiries:

Information FDFA
Bundeshaus West
CH-3003 Bern
Tel.: +41 58 462 31 53
Fax: +41 58 464 90 47
E-Mail: info@eda.admin.ch

Publisher:

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs