Switzerland reports rising crime rates and 250 criminal expulsions

Switzerland is experiencing a rise in criminal activity and a corresponding increase in judicial expulsions. According to official statistics for 2025, Swiss courts have ordered the expulsion of 250 Albanian and Kosovar citizens, consisting of 200 individuals from Albania and 50 from Kosovo.

Under the Swiss Penal Code, criminal expulsion is mandated by judges for serious offenses such as murder, robbery, drug trafficking, and theft. For certain crimes, judges must impose an expulsion period ranging from 5 to 15 years, which can extend to 20 years or become permanent for repeat offenders. While courts may waive expulsion in exceptional cases involving extreme personal hardship or high integration, the legal framework prioritizes public interest.

Parallel to these expulsions, a study by the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) and the University of St. Gallen indicates a rise in crime between 2022 and 2025. The increase is most notable in fraud and property crimes. The study reports that 15.9% of survey participants were victims of fraud in 2025, up from 8.4% in 2022. Additionally, public perception of safety has declined, with more citizens reporting fear of becoming victims of crime in public spaces.