International operation against a criminal organisation: Several arrests and dozens of house searches in Switzerland and abroad
Bern, 12.11.2026 — The Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland (OAG) and the Federal Office of Police (fedpol) have carried out a large-scale, internationally coordinated operation against a suspected criminal organisation. The operation targeted individuals suspected of involvement in a criminal organisation, of committing offences under the Narcotics Act, and of engaging in aggravated money laundering.
Investigations have been ongoing since 2022, focusing on a network believed to have been active since at least early 2019. fedpol’s investigations in the criminal proceedings initiated by the OAG in 2023 were carried out in close cooperation with investigators from the Thurgau Cantonal Police.
Background and suspected offences
The OAG and fedpol are investigating allegations that, at least from the beginning of 2019, one or more criminal organisations in Latin America have been transporting large quantities of cocaine to Europe concealed in shipping containers. The cocaine was hidden in consignments of legal goods, with the recipient addresses including companies in Switzerland and the Netherlands. These companies, which are registered as trading firms, are believed to have been set up solely for the purpose of facilitating the transport of cocaine. This network of European companies has also been exploiting Switzerland’s business environment for the benefit of their criminal activities. Furthermore, the suspects are also believed to have laundered illegal funds through various companies. Reports to this effect have also been received by the Money Laundering Reporting Office Switzerland (MROS) at fedpol.
Based on the evidence currently available, it is likely that several tonnes of cocaine seized since 2019, particularly at European ports, are attributable to this network. However, it is likely that numerous other cocaine shipments have also taken place. Following action by the OAG and fedpol in cooperation with international partners, a consignment was intercepted in Antwerp in August 2026. This resulted in the seizure and removal from circulation of more than 750 kilograms of cocaine.
The latest operation
The latest operation took place between 10 and 11 November and involved coordinated measures in twelve Swiss cantons and seven other countries. The measures included:
- House searches: A total of 84 locations were searched, 55 of which were in Switzerland and 29 abroad.
- Arrests: Forty-one people were taken into custody in Switzerland. A request has been made for five of them to be detained pending further investigations. A further three people who were arrested abroad are currently in custody pending extradition.
- Seizures: To date, more than CHF 2.3 million, as well as cryptocurrencies worth CHF 50,000 and 15 weapons have been seized in the countries involved.
Next steps
The presumption of innocence applies to all of the suspects. Fedpol’s investigations, led by the OAG, are continuing. No further information can be provided at present due to the ongoing criminal proceedings.
The OAG and fedpol would like to thank the following for their excellent cooperation: the police forces of Thurgau, Zurich (city and canton), Appenzell Ausserrhoden, St Gallen, Schwyz, Bern, Lucerne, Zug, Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft, Solothurn and Schaffhausen; Switzerland's international partners in Germany, the Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Spain, Belgium, Greece and Poland; and Eurojust and Europol.