Swiss Intelligence Service cleared of political espionage allegations

An external administrative investigation into the Swiss Intelligence Service (SRC) has found no reliable evidence of political espionage. The inquiry, conducted by the law firm Lenz & Staehelin, addressed allegations that the SRC's cyber department maintained close ties with the Moscow-based cybersecurity firm Kaspersky between 2015 and 2020.

The investigation was launched by Federal Councillor Martin Pfister following reports that classified information may have been accessible to Russian intelligence through these connections. While the findings suggest that no political espionage occurred, the case has highlighted significant concerns regarding hybrid warfare and the security of intelligence operations in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine.