Zurich prosecutors indict journalist over alleged banking secrecy breach

Zurich prosecutors have indicted business journalist Lukas Hässig over an alleged breach of banking secrecy, Swiss broadcaster SRF reported. Hässig first disclosed that he would face trial in an article on his website, Inside Paradeplatz.

Hässig had unsuccessfully appealed to Switzerland’s Federal Supreme Court in an effort to prevent a trial. Prosecutors had closed the case against him in December 2025, but Beat Stocker, a business partner of former Raiffeisen chief Pierin Vincenz, challenged that decision and won. Prosecutors will announce the sentence they are seeking at the trial.

Stocker reported Hässig over coverage of alleged misconduct by Vincenz, saying it had violated his privacy. Police searched Hässig’s office and home in June 2025.

The case is linked to Hässig’s reporting that helped bring the allegations against Vincenz to light. A separate trial involving Vincenz, Stocker and other defendants is still under way at the Zurich Higher Court, which is due to deliver its verdict on January 11, 2027.

Vincenz and Stocker are accused of secretly taking stakes in companies and arranging for Raiffeisen or credit card company Aduno to acquire them. Prosecutors allege the deals generated millions in profits. They are also accused of claiming private expenses, including visits to cabarets and strip clubs, as business costs.

Zurich District Court previously sentenced Vincenz to three years and nine months in prison and Stocker to four years. Both received unconditional prison terms.