SBB manager faces trial for 9 million franc embezzlement

A former manager at the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) workshop in Olten is facing trial following allegations of embezzling approximately 9 million Swiss francs. The Swiss Federal Prosecutor has been investigating the case for two years.

According to the indictment, the accused used fictitious invoices for orders under 50,000 francs—and occasionally exceeding 100,000 francs—to transfer funds to companies he controlled. The embezzled money was reportedly used to fund a lavish lifestyle, including the purchase of a property in Solothurn, a house in Florida, 13 cars, and a rare Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Blancpain.

Four other individuals, including the former manager's sister and three acquaintances, are also accused. The prosecution alleges they should have been suspicious after receiving approximately 1 million francs each, while the co-defendants claim they had no knowledge of the fraud. Due to statutes of limitations, only about 5 million francs of the total 9 million are currently subject to criminal prosecution.