Title Twelve : Common Provisions for Title Twelve and Title Twelve quater292bister
292 Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 18 June 2010 on the Amendment of Federal Legislation in Implementation of the Rome Statue of the International Criminal Court, in force since 1 Jan. 2011 (AS 2010 4963; BBl 2008 3863). |
Art. 264k
Criminal liability of superiors 1 A superior who is aware that a subordinate is carrying out or will carry out an act under the Title Twelvebis or Title Twelveter and who fails to take appropriate measures to prevent the act shall be liable to the same penalty as the perpetrator of the act. If the superior fails to prevent the act through negligence, the penalty is a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or a monetary penalty. 2 A superior who is aware that a subordinate has carried out an act under Title Twelvebis or Title Twelveter and who fails to take appropriate measures to ensure the prosecution of the perpetrator of the act shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or a monetary penalty. |
Art. 264m
Acts carried out abroad 1 A person who carries out an act under Title Twelvebis, Title Twelveter or Article 264k while abroad is guilty of an offence if he is in Switzerland and is not extradited to another State or delivered to an international criminal court whose jurisdiction is recognised by Switzerland. 2 Where the victim of the act carried out abroad is not Swiss and the perpetrator is not Swiss, the prosecution, with the exception of measures to secure evidence, may be abandoned or may be dispensed with provided:
3 Article 7 paragraphs 4 and 5 applies unless the acquittal, or the remission or application of time limits for the execution of the sentence abroad has the aim of protecting the offender from punishment without justification. |
Art. 264n
Exclusion of relative immunity The prosecution offences under Title Twelvebis, Title Twelveter and under Article 264k does not require authorisation in accordance with any of the following provisions:
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Title Thirteen: Felonies and Misdemeanours against the State and National Security |
Art. 265
1. Felonies and misdemeanours against the state High treason Any person who carries out an act with the aim, through the use of violence, of changing the constitution of the Confederation301 or of a canton302, of deposing the constitutionally appointed state authorities or rendering them unable to exercise their powers, or of severing an area of Swiss territory from the Confederation or a part of cantonal territory from a canton, shall be liable to a custodial sentence of not less than one year303. 302SR 131.211/.235 303Term in accordance with No II 1 para. 11 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). This amendment has been taken into account throughout the Second Book. |
Art. 266
Attacks on the independence of the Confederation 1. Any person who a carries out an act with the aim of, violating or endangering the independence of the Confederation or endangering the independence of the Confederation by bringing about the interference of a foreign power in federal affairs, shall be liable to a custodial sentence of not less than one year. 2.304 Any person who enters into a relationship with the government of a foreign state or its agents with the aim of bringing about a war against the Confederation shall be liable to a custodial sentence of not less than three years. In serious cases a life sentence may be imposed. 304 Amended by No I of the FA of 5 Oct. 1950, in force since 5 Jan. 1951 (AS 1951 116; BBl 1949 11249). |
Art. 266bis305
Foreign operations and activities directed against the security of Switzerland 1 Any person who with a view to bringing about or supporting foreign operations or activities directed against the security of Switzerland, contacts a foreign state, foreign parties, or other foreign organisations or their agents, or issues or disseminates false or distorted information shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding five years or to a monetary penalty. 2 In serious cases, a custodial sentence of not less than one year may be imposed. 305 Inserted by No I of the FA of 5 Oct. 1950, in force since 5 Jan. 1951 (AS 1951 116; BBl 1949 I 1249). |
Art. 267
Diplomatic treason 1. Any person who wilfully makes known or makes accessible to a foreign state or its agents or to the general public a secret, the preservation of which is necessary in the interests of the Confederation,306 any person who falsifies, destroys, disposes of or steals documents or evidence relating to legal relations between the Confederation or a canton and a foreign state and thus endangers the interests of the Confederation or the canton, or any person who, as the authorised representative of the Confederation, conducts negotiations with a foreign government which are intended to be detrimental to the Confederation, shall be liable to a custodial sentence of not less than one year. 2. Any person who wilfully makes known or makes accessible to the general public a secret, the preservation of which is necessary in the interests of the Confederation shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding five years or to a monetary penalty.307 3. If the person concerned acts through negligence, the penalty is a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or a monetary penalty.308 306 Amended by No I of the FA of 10 Oct. 1997, in force since 1 April 1998 (AS 1998 852856; BBl 1996 IV 525). 307 Inserted by No I of the FA of 10 Oct. 1997, in force since 1 April 1998 (AS 1998 852856; BBl 1996 IV 525). 308 Originally No 2. |
Art. 268
Moving of national boundary markers Any person who removes, moves, renders unrecognisable, falsely positions or falsifies a boundary stone or other boundary marker which serves to indicate a national, cantonal or communal boundary shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding five years or to a monetary penalty. |
Art. 270
Attacks on Swiss national emblems Any person who maliciously removes, damages or acts in an insulting manner towards a Swiss national emblem which is displayed by a public authority, and in particular the coat of arms or the flag of the Confederation or a canton shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. |
Art. 271309
Unlawful activities on behalf of a foreign state 1. Any person who carries out activities on behalf of a foreign state on Swiss territory without lawful authority, where such activities are the responsibility of a public authority or public official, any person who carries out such activities for a foreign party or organisation, any person who facilitates such activities, shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty, or in serious cases to a custodial sentence of not less than one year.310 2. Any person who abducts another by using violence, false pretences or threats and takes him abroad in order to hand him over to a foreign authority, party or other organisation or to expose him to a danger to life or limb shall be liable to a custodial sentence of not less than one year. 3. Any person who makes preparations for such an abduction shall be liable to a custodial sentence or to a monetary penalty. 309Amended by No I of the FA of 5 Oct. 1950, in force since 5 Jan. 1951 (AS 1951 116; BBl 1949 11249). 310 Penalties revised by No II 1 para. 16 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). |
Art. 272311
2. Espionage Political espionage 1. Any person who provides political intelligence-gathering services or organises such services in the interest of a foreign state, a foreign party or any other foreign organisation, to the detriment of Switzerland or its citizens, inhabitants or organisations, any person who recruits others for or facilitates such services, shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 2. In serious cases, the penalty is a custodial sentence of not less than one year. A serious case is constituted, in particular, where the offender incites activities or makes false reports such that the internal or external security of the Confederation is threatened. 311Amended by No I of the FA of 5 Oct. 1950, in force since 5 Jan. 1951 (AS 1951 116; BBl 1949 11249). |
Art. 273
Industrial espionage Any person who seeks to obtain a manufacturing or trade secret in order to make it available to an external official agency, a foreign organisation, a private enterprise, or the agents of any of these, or, any person who makes a manufacturing or trade secret available to an foreign official agency, a foreign organisation, a private enterprise, or the agents of any of these, shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty, or in serious cases to a custodial sentence of not less than one year. Any custodial sentence may be combined with a monetary penalty.312 312 Penalties revised by No II 1 para. 16 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). |
Art. 274313
Military espionage 1. Any person who conducts, organises, recruits others to conduct or facilitates military intelligence-gathering services on behalf of a foreign state and to the detriment of Switzerland, shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. In serious cases, a custodial sentence of not less than one year may be imposed. 2. Any correspondence and materials shall be confiscated. 313Amended by No I of the FA of 5 Oct. 1950, in force since 5 Jan. 1951(AS 1951 116; BBl 1949 11249). |
Art. 275314
3. Endangering the constitutional order Attacks on the constitutional order Any person who carries out an act which is intended to disrupt or alter the constitutional order of the Confederation315 or the cantons316 in an unlawful manner shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding five years or to a monetary penalty. 314Amended by No I of the FA of 5 Oct. 1950, in force since 5 Jan. 1951 (AS 1951 116; BBl 1949 11249). 316SR 131.211/.235 |
Art. 275bis317
Subversive propaganda Any person who disseminates foreign propaganda which is intended to bring about the violent overthrow of the constitutional order of the Confederation or a canton shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 317Inserted by No I of the FA of 5 Oct. 1950, in force since 5 Jan. 1951 (AS 1951 116; BBl 1949 I 1249). |
Art. 275ter318
Unlawful association Any person who founds an association, the aim of which or the activity of which involves the commission of acts that are offences under Articles 265, 266, 266bis, 271–274, 275 and 275bis, any person who joins such an association or participates in its activities, and any person who calls for the formation of such an association or follows its instructions, shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 318Inserted by No I of the FA of 5 Oct. 1950, in force since 5 Jan. 1951 (AS 1951 116; BBl 1949 I 1249). |
Art. 276
4. Disruption of military security Incitement and inducement to violate military duties 1. Any person who publicly incites others to disobey military orders, to violate military duties, to refuse to perform military service or to desert, and any person who induces a person obliged to perform military service to carry out such an act, shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 2. Where the incitement or inducement relates to mutiny or the preparation for mutiny, the penalty is a custodial sentence or a monetary penalty. |
Art. 277
Forgery of military orders or instructions 1. Any person who wilfully forges, falsifies, suppresses or removes a call-up order, mobilisation order or marching order, or instructions intended for those obliged to perform military service, and any person who makes use of such a forged or falsified order or instruction, shall be liable to a custodial sentence or to a monetary penalty. 2. If the person concerned acts through negligence, the penalty is a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or a monetary penalty. |
Art. 278
Disruption of military service Any person who prevents a member of the armed forces from carrying out his military service or obstructs him in the course of his service shall be liable to a monetary penalty.319 319 Penalties revised by No II 1 of the FA of 19 June 2015 (Amendment to the Law on Criminal Sanctions), in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2016 1249; BBl 2012 4721). |
Title Fourteen: Misdemeanours against the Will of the People |
Art. 279
Disruption and obstruction of elections and votes Any person who by the use of violence or the threat of seriously detrimental consequences obstructs or disrupts a meeting, election or vote organised under the terms of the constitution or the law, and any person who by the use of violence or the threat of seriously detrimental consequences obstructs or disrupts the collection of signatures for or the handing-over of a petition requesting a referendum or initiative, shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. |
Art. 280
Attacks on the right to vote Any person who by the use of violence or the threat of seriously detrimental consequences prevents a voter from exercising his right to vote or to sign a petition requesting a referendum or initiative, and any person who by the use of violence or the threat of seriously detrimental consequences coerces a voter into exercising his voting rights or into voting in a particular way, shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. |
Art. 281
Corrupt electoral practices Any person who offers, promises, or gives a voter or arranges for a voter to be given a gift or other advantage in return for voting in a particular way, or in return for signing or refusing to sign a request for a referendum or an initiative, any person who offers, promises, or gives a voter or arranges for a voter to be given a gift or other advantage in return for not participating in an election or vote, and any person who as a voter secures the promise of or arranges for himself to be given such an advantage, shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. |
Art. 282
Electoral fraud 1. Any person who forges, falsifies, removes or destroys an electoral register, any person who participates in an election or a vote, or signs a request for a referendum or an initiative without authority, and any person who falsifies the results of an election or vote or a petition requesting a referendum or initiative, in particular by adding, altering, omitting, deleting ballot papers or signatures, counting them incorrectly or incorrectly certifying the result, shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 2. If the offender acts in official capacity, the penalty is a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty of not less than 30 daily penalty units. The custodial sentence may be combined with a monetary penalty.320 320 Penalties revised by No II 1 para. 16 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). |
Art. 282bis321
Vote catching Any person who systematically collects, completes or alters ballot papers, or distributes ballot papers which have been completed or altered in this way shall be liable to a fine. 321Inserted by Art. 88 No I of the FA of 17 Dec. 1976 on Political Rights, in force since 1 July 1978 (AS 1978 688; BBl 1975 I 1317). |
Art. 284322
322Repealed by No I of the FA of 18 March 1971, with effect from 1 July 1971 (AS 1971 777; BBl 1965 I 561). |
Title Fifteen: Offences against Official Powers |
Art. 285
Violence and threats against public authorities and public officials 1. Any person who by the use of violence or threats prevents an authority, one of its members or a public official from carrying out an official act, or coerces them to carry out such an act, or attacks them while they are carrying out such an act shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty.323 Public officials also include employees of undertakings in terms of the Railways Act of 20 December 1957324, the Passenger Transport Act of 20 March 2009325 and the Goods Transport Act of 19 December 2008326, as well as employees of organisations operating with a licence from the Federal Office of Transport under the Federal Act of 18 June 2010327 on the Security Units of Public Transport Companies. 2. If the offence is committed by a mob, any person who participates in the mob shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty.328 Any participant who uses violence against persons or property shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty of not less than 30 daily penalty units.329 323Amended by No I of the FA of 5 Oct. 1950, in force since 5 Jan. 1951 (AS 1951 116; BBl 1949 11249). 326 [AS 2009 5597, 6019; 2012 5619No I 5; 2013 1603. AS 2016 1845Annex No I 1]. See now: the FA of 25 Sept. 2015 (SR 742.41). 328 Amended by Art. 11 para. 2 of the FA of 18 June 2010 on the Security Units of Public Transport Companies, in force since 1 Oct. 2011 (AS 2011 3961; BBl 2010 891915). 329 Penalties revised by No II 1 para. 16 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). |
Art. 286330
Prevention of an official act Any person who prevents a public authority, one of its members or a public official from carrying out an act which is one of their official duties shall be liable to a monetary penalty not exceeding 30 daily penalty units. Public officials also include employees of undertakings in terms of the Railways Act of 20 December 1957331, the Passenger Transport Act of 20 March 2009332 and the Goods Transport Act of 19 December 2008333, as well as employees of organisations operating with a licence from the Federal Office of Transport under the Federal Act of 18 June 2010334 on the Security Units of Public Transport Companies.335 330Amended by No I of the FA of 5 Oct. 1950, in force since 5 Jan. 1951 (AS 1951 116; BBl 1949 11249). 333 [AS 2009 5597, 6019; 2012 5619No I 5; 2013 1603. AS 2016 1845Annex No I 1]. See now: the FA of 25 Sept. 2015 (SR 742.41). 335 Amended by Art. 11 para. 2 of the FA of 18 June 2010 on the Security Units of Public Transport Companies, in force since 1 Oct. 2011 (AS 2011 3961; BBl 2010 891915). |
Art. 288336
336 Repealed by No I 1 of the FA of 22 Dec. 1999, with effect from 1 May 2000 (Revision of the Criminal Law on Corruption; AS 2000 1121; BBl 1999 5497). |
Art. 291
Breach of an expulsion order 1 Any person who breaches an order issued by a competent authority to expel him from the territory of the Swiss Confederation or a canton shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 2 The duration the sentence is not taken into account in determining the length of the period of expulsion. |
Art. 293
Publication of secret official proceedings 1 Any person who publishes information from the files, proceedings or official investigations of a public authority which have been declared secret by that authority by law or by a lawful order issued by the authority shall be liable to a fine.337 2 Complicity is also a criminal offence. 3 The act does not carry a penalty unless publication is contrary to an overriding public or private interest.338 337 Amended by No I of the FA of 16 June 2017 (Publication of Official Secret Proceedings), in force since 1 March 2018 (AS 2018 567; BBl 2016 73297575). 338 Inserted by No I of the FA of 10 Oct. 1997 (AS 1998 852; BBl 1996 IV 525). Amended by No I of the FA of 16 June 2017 (Publication of Official Secret Proceedings), in force since 1 March 2018 (AS 2018 567; BBl 2016 73297575). |
Art. 294339
Breach of an activity prohibition order or a contact prohibition and exclusion order Any person who carries on an activity that he is prohibited from carrying on by a prohibition order under Article 67 hereof, Article 50 of the Military Criminal Code of 13 June 1927340 (MCC) or Article 16a JCLA341 shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding one year or monetary penalty. 2 Any person who contacts or approaches one or more specific persons or persons in a specific group or is present in a specific location when he is prohibited from doing so by a contact prohibition and exclusion order under Article 67b hereof, Article 50b MCC or Article 16a JCLA shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding one year or monetary penalty. 339 Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2013 on Activity Prohibition Orders and Contact Prohibition and Exclusion Orders, in force since 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2014 2055; BBl 2012 8819). |
Art. 295342
Failure to comply with probation assistance or instructions Any person who fails to comply with probation assistance ordered by the court or the executive authority or with instructions issued by the court or the executive authority shall be liable to a fine. 342 Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2013 on Activity Prohibition Orders and Contact Prohibition and Exclusion Orders, in force since 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2014 2055; BBl 2012 8819). |
Title Sixteen: Offences detrimental to Foreign Relations |
Art. 296343
Insulting a foreign state Any person who publicly insults a foreign state in the person of its head of state, the members of its government, its diplomatic representatives, its official delegates to a diplomatic conference taking place in Switzerland, or one of its official representatives to an international organisation or department thereof based or sitting in Switzerland shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 343Amended by No I of the FA of 5 Oct. 1950, in force since 5 Jan. 1951 (AS 1951 116; BBl 1949 11249). |
Art. 297344
Insulting an international organisation Any person who publicly insults an international organisation or department thereof based or sitting in Switzerland in the person of one of its official representatives shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 344Amended by No I of the FA of 5 Oct. 1950, in force since 5 Jan. 1951 (AS 1951 116; BBl 1949 11249). |
Art. 298
Attacks on the national emblems of a foreign state Any person who wilfully removes, damages or conducts himself in an insulting manner towards a national emblem of a foreign state, and in particular its coat of arms or flag which is publicly displayed by one of its official representatives shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. |
Art. 299
Violation of foreign territorial sovereignty 1. Any person who violates the territorial sovereignty of a foreign state, in particular by conducting official activities without authorisation on foreign territory, any person who enters foreign territory in breach of international law, shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 2. Any person who attempts from within Swiss territory to disrupt the political order of a foreign state through the use of force shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. |
Art. 300
Hostility towards a country at war or foreign troops Any person who from neutral Swiss territory acts in a hostile manner towards or supports hostile acts against a country at war, any person who acts in a hostile manner towards foreign troops who have been admitted to Switzerland, shall be liable to a custodial sentence or to a monetary penalty. |
Art. 301
Military espionage against a foreign state 1. Any person who conducts or organises the conduct of military intelligence gathering services on Swiss territory for a foreign state against another foreign state, and any person who recruits persons for or facilitates such services, shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 2. Any correspondence and other materials are forfeited. |
Art. 302345
Prosecution 1 Felonies and misdemeanours under this Title are only prosecuted on the authority of the Federal Council. 2 The Federal Council shall order a prosecution only if a request to do so is received from the government of the foreign state in the case of Article 296 or from a governing officer of the international organisation in the case of Article 297. In times of active service, the Federal Council may also order a prosecution in the absence of a request. 3 In the case of Articles 296 and 297, the right to prosecute is subject to a limitation period of two years.346 345Amended by No I of the FA of 5 Oct. 1950, in force since 5 Jan. 1951 (AS 1951 116; BBl 1949 11249). 346Amended by No I of the FA of 22 March 2002 (Limitation of the Right to Prosecute), in force since 1 Oct. 2002 (AS 2002 29862988; BBl 2002 26731649). |
Title Seventeen: Felonies and Misdemeanours against the Administration of Justice |
Art. 303
False accusation 1. Any person who makes an accusation to the authorities that a person whom he knows to be innocent has committed a felony or a misdemeanour, with the intention of causing a criminal prosecution to be brought against that person, any person who otherwise carries out malicious acts with the intention of causing a criminal prosecution to be brought against a person whom he knows to be innocent, shall be liable to a custodial sentence or to a monetary penalty. 2. If the false accusation relates to a contravention, the penalty is a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or a monetary penalty. |
Art. 304
Misleading the judicial authorities 1. Any person who reports the commission of a criminal offence to the judicial authorities which he knows has not been committed, any person who falsely reports to the judicial authorities that he has himself committed an offence, shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 2. In particularly minor cases, the court may waive the imposition of a penalty. |
Art. 305
Assisting offenders 1 Any person who assists another to evade prosecution, the execution of a sentence, or the execution of any of the measures provided for in Articles 59–61, 63 and 64347 shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 1bis Any person who assists a person who is being prosecuted or has been convicted outside Switzerland in respect of a felony in accordance with Article 101 to evade prosecution or the execution of a custodial sentence or a measure within the meaning of Articles 59–61, 63 or 64 in that place shall be liable to the same penalties as in paragraph 1.348 2 The court may waive the imposition of a penalty where the person committing an offence in terms of this Article is so closely related to the person receiving his assistance that his conduct is excusable. 347 Part of sentence amended by No II 2 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). 348Inserted by No I of the FA of 9 Oct. 1981, in force since 1 Oct. 1982 (AS 1982 15301534; BBl 1980 I 1241). |
Art. 305bis349
Money laundering 1. Any person who carries out an act that is aimed at frustrating the identification of the origin, the tracing or the forfeiture of assets which he knows or must assume originate from a felony or aggravated tax misdemeanour shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty.350 1bis. An aggravated tax misdemeanour is any of the offences set out in Article 186 of the Federal Act of 14 December 1990351 on Direct Federal Taxation and Article 59 paragraph 1 clause one of the Federal Act of 14 December 1990352 on the Harmonisation of Direct Federal Taxation at Cantonal and Communal Levels, if the tax evaded in any tax period exceeds 300 000 francs.353 2. In serious cases, the penalty is a custodial sentence not exceeding five years or a monetary penalty. A custodial sentence is combined with a monetary penalty not exceeding 500 daily penalty units.354 A serious case is constituted, in particular, where the offender:
3. The offender is also liable to the foregoing penalties where the main offence was committed abroad, provided such an offence is also liable to prosecution at the place of commission.356 349Inserted by No I of the FA of 23 March 1990, in force since 1 Aug. 1990 (AS 1990 10771078; BBl 1989 II 1061). 350 Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 Revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 20151389; BBl 2014605). 353 Inserted by No I 4 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 Revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 20151389; BBl 2014605). See also the transitional provision to this amendment at the end of the text. 354 Penalties revised by No II 1 para. 16 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). 355 Amended by Annex No II 2 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427). 356Corrected by the Drafting Committee of the Federal Assembly (Art. 33 ParlPA; AS19741051). |
Art. 305ter358
Insufficient diligence in financial transactions and right to report 1 Any person who as part of his profession accepts, holds on deposit, or assists in investing or transferring outside assets and fails to ascertain the identity of the beneficial owner of the assets with the care that is required in the circumstances shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding one year or to a monetary penalty.359 2 The persons included in paragraph 1 above are entitled to report to the Money Laundering Reporting Office in the Federal Office of Police any observations that indicate that assets originate from a felony or an aggravated tax misdemeanour in terms of Article 305bis number 1bis.360 358 Inserted by No I of the FA of 23 March 1990, in force since 1 Aug. 1990 (AS 1990 10771078; BBl 1989 II 1061). 359 Penalties revised by No II 1 para. 16 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). 360Inserted by No I of the FA of 18 March 1994 (AS 1994 1614; BBl 1993 III 277). Amended by No I 4 of the FA of 12 Dec. 2014 on the Implementation of the 2012 Revision of the Recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force, in force since 1 Jan. 2016 (AS 20151389; BBl 2014605). |
Art. 306
Perjury by a party to civil proceedings 1 Any person who is a party to civil proceedings and, following an express caution by the judge that he must tell the truth and notification of the penalties for failure to do so, gives false evidence in relation to the case shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 2 If the offender testifies on oath or affirmation, the penalty is a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or a monetary penalty of not less than 90 daily penalty units.361 361 Penalties revised by No II 1 para. 16 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). |
Art. 307
Perjury. Perjury by an expert witness. False translation 1 Any person who appears in judicial proceedings as a witness, expert witness, translator or interpreter and gives false evidence or provides a false report, a false expert opinion or a false translation in relation to the case shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding five years or to a monetary penalty. 2 If the statement, report, expert opinion or translation is made on oath or affirmation, the penalty is a custodial sentence of at least six months and no more than five years.362 3 If the false statement relates to matters that are irrelevant to the judicial decision, the penalty is a monetary penalty.363 362 Penalties revised by No II 1 of the FA of 19 June 2015 (Amendment to the Law on Criminal Sanctions), in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2016 1249; BBl 2012 4721). 363 Penalties revised by No II 1 of the FA of 19 June 2015 (Amendment to the Law on Criminal Sanctions), in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2016 1249; BBl 2012 4721). |
Art. 308
Mitigation of the sentence 1 If the offender makes his false accusation (Art. 303), false report of an offence (Art. 304) or testimony (Art. 306 and 307) of his own accord and before it has caused any legal detriment to others, the court may reduce the sentence (Art. 48a) or waive a penalty.364 2 If the offender perjured himself (Art. 306 and 307) because by testifying truthfully he or his close relative would risk prosecution, the court may reduce the sentence (Art. 48a).365 364 Last part of sentence amended by No II 2 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). 365 Last part of sentence amended by No II 2 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). |
Art. 309366
Administrative cases and proceedings before international courts Articles 306–308 also apply to:
366 Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 22 June 2001 (Offences against the Administration of Justice before International Courts), in force since 1 July 2002 (AS2002 14911492; BBl 2001 391). |
Art. 310
Assisting prisoners to escape 1. Any person who by using force, threats or false pretences, frees or assists in the escape of a person under arrest, a convicted prisoner or a person committed to an institution by official order shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 2. If the act is committed by a mob, any person who participates in the mob shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. Any participants who commits acts of violence against persons or property shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty of not less than 30 daily penalty units.367 367 Penalties revised by No II 1 para. 16 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). |
Art. 311
Prison mutiny 1. Convicted prisoners or other persons who have been committed to an institution by official order who form a riotous assembly with the common intent to attack the officers of the institution or other persons entrusted with their supervision, to coerce these persons by force or the threat of force to carry out acts or abstain from carrying out acts, or to break out of the institution by using force, are liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty of not less than 30 daily penalty units.368 2. Any participant who commits acts of violence against persons or property shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding five years or to a monetary penalty of not less than 90 daily penalty units.369 368 Penalties revised by No II 1 para. 16 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). 369 Penalties revised by No II 1 para. 16 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). |
Title Eighteen: Offences against Official or Professional Duty |
Art. 312
Abuse of public office Any member of an authority or a public official who abuses his official powers in order to secure an unlawful advantage for himself or another or to cause prejudice to another shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding five years or to a monetary penalty. |
Art. 314370
Misconduct in public office Any member of an authority or public official who, in the course of a legal transaction and with a view to obtaining an unlawful advantage for himself or another, damages the public interests that he has a duty to safeguard shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding five years or to a monetary penalty. A custodial sentence must be combined with a monetary penalty.371 370Amended by No I of the FA of 17 June 1994, in force since 1 Jan. 1995 (AS 1994 22902307; BBl 1991 II 969). 371 Penalties revised by No II 1 para. 16 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). |
Art. 315–316372
372 Repealed by No I 1 of the FA of 22 Dec. 1999, with effect from 1 May 2000 (Revision of the Criminal Law on Corruption; AS 2000 1121; BBl 1999 5497). |
Art. 317373
Forgery of a document by a public official 1. Any public official or person acting in an official capacity who wilfully forges or falsifies a document or uses the genuine signature or handwriting of another to produce a false document, any public official or person acting in an official capacity who wilfully falsely certifies a fact of legal significance, and in particular falsely certifies the authenticity of a signature or handwriting or the accuracy of a copy, shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding five years or to a monetary penalty. 2. If the person concerned acts through negligence, the penalty is a fine. 373Amended by No I of the FA of 17 June 1994, in force since 1 Jan. 1995 (AS 1994 22902307; BBl 1991 II 969). |
Art. 317bis374
Exempted acts 1 Any person who, as part of a covert investigation, produces, amends or uses documents with the approval of a court in order to construct or maintain his cover story or produces, amends or uses documents with the authorisation of the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) under Article 17 IntelSA375 or the authorisation of the Head of the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS) in accordance with Article 18 IntelSA in order to create or maintain his cover story or assumed identity does not commit an offence under Articles 251, 252, 255 and 317.376 2 Any person who, with authorisation for a covert investigation or as instructed by the competent authority under Article 17 or 18 IntelSA, produces or amends official documents for the purposes of cover stories or assumed identities does not commit an offence under Articles 251, 252, 255 and 317.377 3 Any person who produces, amends or uses official documents under the Federal Act of 23 December 2011378 on Extra-Procedural Witness Protection does not commit an offence under Articles 251, 252, 255 and 317.379 374Inserted by Art. 24 No 1 of the FA of 20 June 2003 on Covert Investigations, in force since 1 Jan. 2005 (AS 2004 1409; BBl 1998 4241). Amended by Annex No 3 of the FA of 23 Dec. 2011, in force since 16 July 2012 (AS 2012 3745; BBl 20075037, 2010 7841). 376 Amended by Annex No II 2 of the FedD of 25 Sept. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime, in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 360; BBl 2018 6427). 377 Amended by Annex No II 5 of the Intelligence Service Act of 25 Sept. 2015, in force since 1 Sept. 2017 (AS 2017 4095; BBl 2014 2105). 379 Inserted by Annex No 3 of the FA of 23 Dec. 2011 on Extra-Procedural Witness Protection, in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2012 6715; BBl 2011 1). |
Art. 318
Issuing a false medical certificate 1. Any doctor, dentist, veterinary surgeon or midwife who wilfully issues a certificate, the content of which is untrue, for the purpose of being produced to the authorities or to obtain an unlawful advantage, or which may prejudice the substantial and lawful interests of third parties shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. If the offender has requested, accepted or secured the promise of a special form of recompense, he shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 2. If the person concerned acts through negligence, the penalty is a fine. |
Art. 319
Assistance by a public official in the escape of prisoners Any public official who assists or allows a person under arrest, a convicted prisoner or a person committed to an institution by official order to escape shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. |
Art. 320
Breach official secrecy 1. Any person who discloses secret information that has been confided to him in his capacity as a member of an authority or as a public official or which has come to his knowledge in the execution of his official duties shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. A breach official secrecy remains an offence following termination of employment as a member of an authority or as a public official. 2. The offender is not liable to any penalty if he has disclosed the secret information with the written consent of his superior authority. |
Art. 321
Breach of professional confidentiality 1. Any person who in his capacity as a member of the clergy, lawyer, defence lawyer, notary, patent attorney, auditor subject to a duty of confidentiality under the Code of Obligations (CO)380, doctor, dentist, chiropractor, pharmacist, midwife, psychologist, nurse, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, dietician, optometrist, osteopath or as an assistant to any of the foregoing persons discloses confidential information that has been confided to him in his professional capacity or which has come to his knowledge in the practice of his profession shall be liable on complaint to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty.381 A student who discloses confidential information that has come to his knowledge in the course of his studies is also liable to the foregoing penalties. A breach of professional confidentiality remains an offence following the termination of professional employment or of the studies. 2. The person disclosing the information is not liable to any penalty if he does so with the consent of the person to whom the information pertains or on the basis of written authorisation issued in response to his application by a superior authority or supervisory authority. 3. The federal and cantonal provisions on the duties to report and cooperate, the duty to testify and on the obligation to provide information to an authority are reserved.382 381 Amended by Annex No 1 of the Healthcare Occupations Act of 30 Sept. 2016, in force since 1 Feb. 2020 (AS 2020 57; BBl 2015 8715). 382Amended by Annex No 1 of the FA of 15 Dec. 2017 (Child Protection), in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 2947; BBl 2015 3431). |
Art. 321bis383
Breach of professional confidentiality in research involving human beings 1 Any person who discloses without authorisation a professional secret that has come to his knowledge in the course of his research activities involving human beings in accordance with the Human Research Act of 30 September 2011384 shall be liable to a penalty in accordance with Article 321. 2 Professional secrets may be disclosed for the purpose of research into human diseases and concerning the structure and function of the human body if the requirements of Article 34 of the Human Research Act of 30 September 2011 are met and authorisation for disclosure has been obtained from the responsible ethics committee. 383Inserted by Annex No 4 of the FA of 19 June 1992 on Data Protection (AS 1993 1945; BBl 1988 II 413). Amended by Annex No 2 of the Human Research Act of 30 Sept. 2011, in force since 1 Jan. 2014 (AS 2013 3215; BBl 2009 8045). |
Art. 321ter385
Breach of postal or telecommunications secrecy 1 Any person who in his capacity as a public official, employee or auxiliary of an organisation providing postal or telecommunications services reveals to a third party details of customers' post, payments or telecommunications, opens sealed mail or tries to find out its content, or allows a third party the opportunity to carry out such an act shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 2 The foregoing penalties also apply to any person who by deception causes a person bound by a duty of confidentiality in terms of paragraph 1 to breach his obligation of secrecy. 3 A breach of postal or telecommunications secrecy remains an offence even after termination of employment as a public official, employee or auxiliary of an organisation providing postal or telecommunication services. 4 A breach of postal or telecommunications secrecy does not carry a penalty if it is carried out in order to determine the identity of the entitled person or to prevent loss or damage being occasioned. 5 Article 179octies is reserved, together with the federal and cantonal provisions on the obligations to give evidence or provide information to a public authority. 385 Inserted by Annex No 2 of the Telecommunications Act of 30 April 1997, in force since 1 Jan. 1998 (AS 19972187; BBl 1996III 1405). |
Art. 322386
Breach of the media duty to provide information 1 Media organisations are obliged, at the request of any person, to reveal immediately and in writing their place of business and the identity of those responsible for their publications (Art. 28 para. 2 and 3).387 2 Newspapers, magazines or periodicals must indicate in an imprint the place of business of their media organisation, significant holdings in other organisations and the editor responsible. If the editor is responsible only for part of the newspaper, magazine or periodical, it must be indicated that he is the editor responsible for that part. Details of the editors responsible must be given for each part of the newspaper, magazine or periodical. 3 In the event of any violation of the provisions of this Article, the manager of the media organisation shall be liable to a fine. If the person indicated as editor (Art. 28 para. 2 and 3) does not in fact hold such a position, this also constitutes an offence.388 386 Amended by No I of the FA of 10 Oct. 1997, in force since 1 April 1998 (AS 1998 852856; BBl 1996 IV 525). 387 Part of sentence amended by No II 2 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). 388 Part of sentence amended by No II 2 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). |
Art. 322bis389
Failure to prevent an illegal publication Any person who, as the person responsible in terms of Article 28 paragraphs 2 and 3, wilfully fails to prevent the publication of material390, the publication of which constitutes an offence shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. If the person concerned acts through negligence, the penalty is a fine. 389 Inserted by No I of the FA of 10 Oct. 1997, in force since 1 April 1998 (AS 1998 852856; BBl 1996 IV 525). 390 Part of sentence amended by No II 2 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). |
Title Nineteen: Bribery391
391 Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 22 Dec. 1999 (Revision of the Criminal Law on Corruption), in force since 1 May 2000 (AS 2000 11211126; BBl 1999 5497). |
Art. 322ter
1. Bribery of Swiss public officials Bribery Any person who offers, promises or gives a member of a judicial or other authority, a public official, an officially-appointed expert, translator or interpreter, an arbitrator, or a member of the armed forces an undue advantage, or offers, promises or gives such an advantage to a third party in order to cause the public official to carry out or to fail to carry out an act in connection with his official activity which is contrary to his duty or dependent on his discretion, shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding five years or to a monetary penalty. |
Art. 322quater
Acceptance of bribes Any person who as a member of a judicial or other authority, as a public official, officially-appointed expert, translator or interpreter, or as an arbitrator demands, secures the promise of or accepts an undue advantage for that person or for a third party in order that he carries out or fails to carry out an act in connection with his official activity which is contrary to his duty or dependent on his discretion, shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding five years or to a monetary penalty. |
Art. 322quinquies392
Granting an advantage Any person who offers, promises or gives a member of a judicial or other authority, a public official, an officially-appointed expert, translator or interpreter, an arbitrator or a member of the armed forces an undue advantage for that person or for a third party in order that the person carries out his official duties shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 392 Amended by No I of the FA of 25 Sept. 2015 (Criminal Law on Corruption), in force since 1 July 2016 (AS 2016 1287; BBl 2014 3591). |
Art. 322sexies393
Acceptance of an advantage Any person who as a member of a judicial or other authority, as a public official, officially-appointed expert, translator or interpreter, or as an arbitrator, demands, secures the promise of, or accepts an undue advantage for himself or for a third party in order that he carries out his official duties shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 393 Amended by No I of the FA of 25 Sept. 2015 (Criminal Law on Corruption), in force since 1 July 2016 (AS 2016 1287; BBl 2014 3591). |
Art. 322septies
2. Bribery of foreign public officials Any person who offers, promises or gives a member of a judicial or other authority, a public official, an officially-appointed expert, translator or interpreter, an arbitrator, or a member of the armed forces who is acting for a foreign state or international organisation an undue advantage, or gives such an advantage to a third party, in order that the person carries out or fails to carry out an act in connection with his official activities which is contrary to his duties or dependent on his discretion, any person who as a member of a judicial or other authority, a public official, an officially-appointed expert, translator or interpreter, an arbitrator, or a member of the armed forces of a foreign state or of an international organisation demands, secures the promise of, or accepts an undue advantage for himself or for a third party in order that he carries out or fails to carry out an act in connection with his official activity which is contrary to his duty or dependent on his discretion394 shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding five years or to a monetary penalty. 394 Paragraph inserted by Art. 2 No 2 of the FedD of 7 Oct. 2005 on the Approval and Implementation of the Criminal Law Convention and the Additional Protocol of the Council of Europe on Corruption, in force since 1 July 2006 (AS 2006 23712374; BBl 20046983). |
Art. 322octies395
3. Bribery of private individuals Bribery 1. Any person who offers, promises or gives an employee, partner, agent or any other auxiliary of a third party in the private sector an undue advantage for that person or a third party in order that the person carries out or fails to carry out an act in connection with his official activities which is contrary to his duties or dependent on his discretion shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 2 In minor cases, the offence is only prosecuted on complaint. 395 Amended by No I of the FA of 25 Sept. 2015 (Criminal Law on Corruption), in force since 1 July 2016 (AS 2016 1287; BBl 2014 3591). |
Art. 322novies396
Accepting bribes 1 Any person who as an employee, partner, agent or any other auxiliary of a third party in the private sector demands, secures the promise of, or accepts an undue advantage for himself or for a third party in order that the person carries out or fails to carry out an act in connection with his official activities which is contrary to his duties or dependent on his discretion shall be liable to a custodial sentence not exceeding three years or to a monetary penalty. 2 In minor cases, the offence is only prosecuted on complaint. 396 Inserted by No I of the FA of 25 Sept. 2015 (Criminal Law on Corruption), in force since 1 July 2016 (AS 2016 1287; BBl 2014 3591). |
Art. 322decies397
4. General provisions 1 The following are not undue advantages:
2 Private individuals who fulfil official duties are subject to the same provisions as public officials. 397 Inserted by No I of the FA of 25 Sept. 2015 (Criminal Law on Corruption), in force since 1 July 2016 (AS 2016 1287; BBl 2014 3591). |
Title Twenty: Contraventions of Federal Law398
398 Originally Title 19. |
Art. 323399
Failure of a debtor to comply with the regulations governing Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy proceedings The following persons are liable to a fine: 1. a debtor who is not present or has not appointed a representative to be present at the seizure of or the recording of an inventory of his assets of which he has been given lawful notice (Art. 91 para. 1 no 1, 163 para. 2 and 345 para. 1400 DEBA401); 2. a debtor who fails to disclose his assets including those not in his possession, or his claims and rights against third parties to the extent required to obtain satisfaction by seizure or to implement an attachment (Art. 91 para. 1 para. 2 and 275 DEBA); 3. a debtor who fails to fully disclose his assets including those not in his possession, or his claims and rights against third parties on the recording of an inventory of assets (Art. 163 para. 2, 345 para. 1402 DEBA); 4. a debtor who fails to disclose or make available all his assets to the Bankruptcy Office (Art. 222 para. 1 DEBA); 5. a debtor who does not make himself available to the bankruptcy administrator during the bankruptcy proceedings unless he has special permission to be excused this duty (Art. 229 para. 1 DEBA). 399 Amended by Annex No 8 of the FA of 16 Dec. 1994, in force since 1 Jan. 1997 (AS 1995 12271307; BBl 1991 III 1). 400 Now Art. 341 para. 1. 402 Now Art. 341 para. 1. |
Art. 324403
Failure of third parties to comply with the regulations governing debt collection, bankruptcy and composition proceedings The following persons are liable to a fine: 1. any adult person who shared a household with a debtor who is deceased or has absconded and who fails to disclose full details of that debtor's assets and to make themselves available to the Bankruptcy Office (Art. 222 para. 2 DEBA404); 2. any debtor of a bankrupt who fails to report to the Bankruptcy Office within the time limit (Art. 232 para. 2 para. 3 DEBA); 3. any person who possesses items belonging to a debtor as a pledge or for any other reason and fails to deliver such items to the Bankruptcy Office within the time limit (Art. 232 para. 2 para. 4 DEBA); 4. any person who possesses items belonging to a debtor as a pledgee and fails to deliver such items to the liquidators after expiry of the time limit for realisation (Art. 324 para. 2 DEBA); 5. any third party who fails to comply with his duty to provide information and to deliver assets in accordance with Articles 57aparagraph 1, 91 paragraph 4, 163 paragraph 2, 222 paragraph 4 and 345 paragraph 1405 of the DEBA. 403Amended by Annex No 8 of the FA of 16 Dec. 1994, in force since 1 Jan. 1997 (AS 1995 12271307; BBl 1991 III 1). 405 Now Art. 341 para. 1. |
Art. 325
Failure to comply with accounting regulations Any person who wilfully or through negligence fails to comply with the statutory duty to keep proper accounts or to preserve accounts, business correspondence and business telegrams, any person who wilfully or through negligence fails to comply with the statutory duty to preserve accounts, business correspondence and business telegrams, shall be liable to a fine. |
Art. 325bis406
Infringement of the regulations on reporting payments to state bodies A person shall be liable to a fine if he or she wilfully commits any of the following acts:
406Inserted by No III 2 of the FA of 19 June 2020 (Indirect Counter-Proposal to the Popular Initiative "For responsible businesses – protecting human rights and the environment"), in force since 1 Jan. 2022 (AS 2021 846; BBl 2017 399). |
Art. 325ter408
Infringement of other reporting obligations 1 A person shall be liable to a fine not exceeding 100 000 francs if he or she wilfully commits any of the following acts:
2 A person who acts through negligence shall be liable to a fine not exceeding 50 000 francs. 408Inserted by No III 2 of the FA of 19 June 2020 (Indirect Counter-Proposal to the Popular Initiative "For responsible businesses – protecting human rights and the environment"), in force since 1 Jan. 2022 (AS 2021 846; BBl 2017 399). |
Art. 325quater410
Failure to comply with the regulations governing the protection of tenants of domestic and commercial properties Any person who prevents or attempts to prevent a tenant by the threat of detrimental consequences, and in particular the termination of the lease, from contesting the level of rent or other claims of the landlord, any person who serves notice of termination on the tenant because the tenant asserts or wishes to assert his rights under the CO411, or any person who unlawfully demands or attempts to demand payment of rent or other claims after the failure of an attempt to reach agreement thereon or following a court judgment thereon, shall be liable on complaint by the tenant to a fine. 410Originally Article 325bis. Inserted by No II Art. 4 of the FA of 15 Dec. 1989 on the Amendment of the CO (Leases and Tenancies) (AS 1990 802; BBl 1985 I 1389at the end, final provisions on Titles VIII and VIIIbis). Amended by No III 2 of the FA of 19 June 2020 (Indirect Counter-Proposal to the Popular Initiative "For responsible businesses – protecting human rights and the environment"), in force since 1 Jan. 2022 (AS 2021 846; BBl 2017 399). |
Art. 326413
Application to legal entities, trading companies and sole proprietorships 1. ... 413Repealed by No II 3 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, with effect from 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). |
Art. 326bis415
2. In cases falling under Article 325quater 1 Where the acts constituting offences under Article 325quater are committed while attending to the affairs of a legal entity, general or limited partnership or sole proprietorship416 or otherwise in the provision of commercial or business services to another, the criminal provisions apply to those natural persons who have committed the acts.417 2 An employer or principal who is aware of the offence or becomes aware of the offence subsequently and who, although he is in a position to do so, fails to prevent the offence or to remedy its consequences shall be liable to the same penalties as the offender. 3 If the employer or principal is a legal entity, general or limited partnership, sole proprietorship418 or corporate body without legal personality, paragraph 2 applies to the culpable management bodies, members of the management bodies, executive partners, de facto managers or liquidators. 415Inserted by No II Art. 4 of the FA of 15 Dec. 1989 on the Amendment of the CO (Leases and Tenancies), in force since 1 July 1990 (AS 1990 802; BBl 1985 I 1389at the end, final provisions on Titles VIII and VIIIbis). 416 Footnote relevant to German text only. 417 Amended by No III 2 of the FA of 19 June 2020 (Indirect Counter-Proposal to the Popular Initiative "For responsible businesses – protecting human rights and the environment"), in force since 1 Jan. 2022 (AS 2021 846; BBl 2017 399). 418 Footnote relevant to German text only. |
Art. 326ter419
Contravention of the law on business and other names Any person who uses a name for a legal entity or branch entered in the Commercial Register that does not correspond to the name entered in the Commercial Register and which may be misleading, any person who uses a misleading name for a legal entity or branch not entered in the Commercial Register, or any person who gives the impression that a foreign legal entity not entered in the Commercial Register has its registered office or a branch in Switzerland, shall be liable to a fine420. 419Inserted by No I of the FA of 17 June 1994 (AS 1994 2290; BBl 1991 II 969). Amended by Annex No 5 of the FA of 16 Dec. 2005 (Law on Limited Liability Companies and Amendments to the Law on Companies Limited by Shares, Cooperatives, the Commercial Register and Business Names), in force since 1 Jan. 2008 (AS 20074791; BBl 20023148, 20043969). 420 Corrected by the Drafting Committee of the Federal Assembly (Art. 58 para. 2 ParlA; SR 171.10). |
Art. 326quater421
Provision of false information by an employee benefits institution Any person who as a management officer of an employee benefits institution is under a statutory obligation to provide information to beneficiaries and supervisory bodies but fails to provide any information or provides false information shall be liable to a fine. 421Inserted by No I of the FA of 17 June 1994, in force since 1 Jan. 1995 (AS 1994 22902307; BBl 1991 II 969). |
Art. 327422
Violation of obligations to give notice of the beneficial owner of shares or capital contributions Any person who wilfully fails to comply with obligations under Article 697j paragraphs 1–4 or Article 790a paragraphs 1–4 of the CO423 to give notice of beneficial owner of shares or capital contributions shall be liable to a fine. 422Amended by No I 2 of the FA of 21 June 2019 on Implementing the Recommendations of the Global Forum on Transparency and Transfer of Information for Tax Purposes, in force since 1 Nov. 2019 (AS 2019 3161; BBl 2019 279). |
Art. 327a424
Violation of company law obligations on keeping registers A person shall be liable to a fine if he or she wilfully fails to keep any of the following registers in accordance with the regulations or if he or she infringes associated company law obligations:
424 Inserted by No I 2 of the FA of 21 June 2019 on Implementing the Recommendations of the Global Forum on Transparency and Transfer of Information for Tax Purposes, in force since 1 Nov. 2019 (AS 2019 3161; BBl 2019 279). |
Art. 328
Reproduction of postage stamps without intent to commit forgery 1. Any person who reproduces Swiss or foreign postage stamps with the intention of marketing the stamps as reproductions but without making the individual stamps distinguishable as reproductions from genuine stamps, or any person who imports, offers for sale or markets such reproduction stamps, shall be liable to a fine. 2. The reproductions are forfeited. |
Art. 329
Breach of military secrecy 1. Any person who unlawfully enters buildings or any other places, the access to which is prohibited by the military authorities, makes drawings, diagrams or plans or takes photographs or makes films of military establishments or objects serving the national defence, or copies or publishes such drawings, diagrams, plans, photographs or films, shall be liable to a fine. 2. Attempts and complicity are also offences. |
Art. 330
Trading in material requisitioned by the armed forces Any person who unlawfully sells, purchases, pledges or accepts as a pledge, uses, disposes of, destroys or renders unusable property which has been seized or requisitioned by the military authorities in the interest of national defence shall be liable to a fine.427 427 Penalties revised by No II 1 para. 16 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). |
Art. 331
Unauthorised wearing of the military uniform Any person who wears the uniform of the Swiss armed forces without authority shall be liable to a fine.428 428 Penalties revised by No II 1 para. 16 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). |
Art. 332429
Failure to report a find Any person who finds or comes into the possession of property and fails to make a report to the police or the owner as required by Articles 720 paragraph 2, 720a and 725 paragraph 1 of the Civil Code430 shall be liable to a fine. 429 Amended by No III of the FA of 4 Oct. 2002 (Basic Article Animals), in force since 1 April 2003 (AS 2003 463466; BBl 2002 41645806). |
Book Three: Introduction and Application of the Code431
431 Amended by No III of the FA of 13 Dec. 2002, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 34593535; BBl 1999 1979). |
Title One: Relationship between this Code and other Federal and Cantonal Acts |
Art. 333
Application of the General Provisions to other federal acts 1 The general provisions of this Code apply to offences provided for in other federal acts unless these federal acts themselves contain detailed provisions on such offences. 2 In the other federal acts, the terms below are replaced as follows:
3 An offence that carries a maximum penalty of detention or a fine or of a fine only is a contravention. Articles 106 and 107 apply. Article 8 of the Federal Act of 22 March 1974432 on Administrative Criminal Law is reserved. An offence is also a contravention if, in terms of another Federal Act that came into force before 1942, it carries a term of imprisonment not exceeding three months. 4 Sentences of lengths differing from those mentioned in paragraph 2 and Article 41 as well as fines of amounts differing from those mentioned in Article 106 are reserved. 5 If another federal act provides for a fine to be imposed for a felony or misdemeanour, Article 34 applies. Rules on determining a penalty that differ from Article 34 do not apply. Article 8 of the Federal Act of 22 March 1974 on Administrative Criminal Law remains reserved. If the fine is limited to a sum under 1 080 000 francs, this limit no longer applies. If the fine is limited to a sum exceeding 1 080 000 francs, this limit continues to apply. In this case, the maximum number of daily penalty units equals the current maximum fine divided by 3000. 6 Until they have been amended, the following applies in other federal acts:
7 The contraventions provided for in other federal acts are offences, even if they have been committed through negligence, unless only intentional commission is an offence in terms of the provision concerned. |
Title Two: ... |
Art. 336–338433
433 Repealed by Annex 1 No II 8 of the Criminal Procedure Code of 5 Oct. 2007, with effect from 1 Jan. 2011 (AS 2010 1881; BBl 2006 1085). |
Title Three: ... |
Art. 339–348434
434 Repealed by Annex 1 No II 8 of the Criminal Procedure Code of 5 Oct. 2007, with effect from 1 Jan. 2011 (AS 2010 1881; BBl 2006 1085). |
Title Four: Administrative Assistance on Police Matters 435
435 Amended by Annex 1 No II 8 of the Criminal Procedure Code of 5 Oct. 2007, in force since 1 Jan. 2011 (AS 2010 1881; BBl 2006 1085). |
Art. 349436
436 Repealed by Annex 1 No 5 of the FA of 13 June 2008 on the Federal Police Information System, with effect from 5 Dec. 2008 (AS 20084989; BBl 20065061). |
Art. 349a437
1. Protection of personal data. a. Legal basis The competent federal authorities may only disclose personal data if there is a legal basis for doing so under Article 7 of the Schengen Data Protection Act of 28 September 2018438 (SADP) or if:
437 Inserted by No II 2 of the FA of 28 Sept. 2018 on the implementation of Directive (EU) 2016/680 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, in force since 1 March 2019 (AS 2019 625; BBl 2017 6941). |
Art. 349b439
b. Equal treatment 1 For the disclosure of personal data to the competent authorities of states linked to Switzerland by one of the Schengen association agreements (Schengen States), no stricter data protection rules may apply than for the disclosure of personal data to Swiss criminal authorities. 2 Special laws providing for stricter data protection rules for the disclosure of personal data to the competent foreign authorities do not apply to disclosure to the competent authorities of the Schengen States. 439 Inserted by No II 2 of the FA of 28 Sept. 2018 on the implementation of Directive (EU) 2016/680 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, in force since 1 March 2019 (AS 2019 625; BBl 2017 6941). |
Art. 349c440
c. Disclosure of personal data to a third country or an international body 1 Personal data may not be disclosed to the competent authority of a state which is not linked to Switzerland by one of the Schengen association agreements (third country), or to an international body if this would seriously endanger the privacy of the data subjects, in particular due to a lack of adequate protection. 2 Adequate protection shall be ensured by:
3 If the disclosing authority is a federal authority, it shall inform the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (Commissioner) of the categories of disclosures of personal data made on the basis of specific guarantees pursuant to paragraph 2 letter c. Every disclosure is documented. 4 By way of derogation from paragraph 1, personal data may be disclosed to the competent authority of a third country or an international body if disclosure is necessary in a particular case:
5 If the disclosing authority is a federal authority, it shall inform the Commissioner of the disclosures pursuant to paragraph 4. 440 Inserted by No II 2 of the FA of 28 Sept. 2018 on the implementation of Directive (EU) 2016/680 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, in force since 1 March 2019 (AS 2019 625; BBl 2017 6941). |
Art. 349d441
d. Disclosure of personal data by a Schengen State to a third country or an international body 1 Personal data transmitted or made available by a Schengen State may be disclosed to the competent authority of a third country or an international body, only if:
2 By way of derogation from paragraph 1 letter b, personal data may be disclosed in a particular case, if:
3 The Schengen State shall be informed immediately of the disclosure referred to in paragraph 2. 441 Inserted by No II 2 of the FA of 28 Sept. 2018 on the implementation of Directive (EU) 2016/680 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, in force since 1 March 2019 (AS 2019 625; BBl 2017 6941). |
Art. 349e442
e. Disclosure of personal data to a recipient established in a third country 1 Where it is not possible, in particular in cases of emergency, to disclose personal data to the competent authority of a third country through the normal channels of police cooperation, the competent authority may exceptionally disclose them to a recipient established in that country, provided the following requirements are fulfilled:
2 The competent authority shall inform the recipient of the personal data at the time of disclosure that he may use the data only for the purposes specified by the authority. 3 It shall inform the competent authority of the third country without delay of any disclosure of personal data, provided it considers this appropriate. 4 If the responsible authority is a federal authority, it shall inform the Commissioner without delay of any disclosure pursuant to paragraph 1. 5 It shall document each disclosure of personal data. The Federal Council shall regulate the details. 442 Inserted by No II 2 of the FA of 28 Sept. 2018 on the implementation of Directive (EU) 2016/680 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, in force since 1 March 2019 (AS 2019 625; BBl 2017 6941). |
Art. 349f443
f. Accuracy of personal data 1 The competent authority shall correct incorrect personal data without delay. 2 It shall notify the authority which transmitted the data, made them available or disclosed them of the correction without delay. 3 It shall inform the recipient whether the data it has disclosed are up-to-date and reliable. 4 It shall also provide the recipient with any further information that can be used to distinguish:
5 The obligation to inform the recipient ceases to apply if the information referred to in paragraphs 3 and 4 is clear from the personal data itself or from the circumstances. 443 Inserted by No II 2 of the FA of 28 Sept. 2018 on the implementation of Directive (EU) 2016/680 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, in force since 1 March 2019 (AS 2019 625; BBl 2017 6941). |
Art. 349g444
g. Verification of the legality of the data processing 1 The data subject may request the Commissioner to check whether any data relating to the data subject is being processed lawfully if:
2 Only a federal authority under the supervision of the Commissioner may be examined. 3 The Commissioner shall complete the verification; he shall notify the data subject that either no data relating to him or her has been unlawfully processed, or that he has opened an investigation pursuant to Article 22 SADP in the case of errors in the processing of personal data. 4 If the Commissioner finds errors in the processing of the data, he shall order the competent federal authority to correct them. 5 The notification referred to in paragraph 3 shall always be worded in the same way and is not substantiated. It may not be contested. 444 Inserted by No II 2 of the FA of 28 Sept. 2018 on the implementation of Directive (EU) 2016/680 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, in force since 1 March 2019 (AS 2019 625; BBl 2017 6941). |
Art. 349h447
h. Investigation 1 If a data subject credibly demonstrates that an exchange of personal data concerning him or her could violate the provisions on the protection of personal data, he or she may request the Commissioner to open an investigation pursuant to Article 22 SADP448. 2 An investigation may only be opened against a federal authority that is under the supervision of the Commissioner. 3 The parties are the data subject and the federal authority against which the investigation has been opened. 4 Articles 23 and 24 SADP also apply. 447 Inserted by No II 2 of the FA of 28 Sept. 2018 on the implementation of Directive (EU) 2016/680 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, in force since 1 March 2019 (AS 2019 625; BBl 2017 6941). |
Art. 350
2. Cooperation with INTERPOL a. Jurisdiction 1 The Federal Office of Police carries out the duties of a National Central Bureau in terms of the Constitution and General Regulations of the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL). 2 It is responsible for coordinating the exchange of information between the federal and cantonal prosecution services on the one hand and the National Central Bureaus of other states and the General Secretariat of INTERPOL on the other. |
Art. 351
b. Tasks 1 The Federal Office of Police coordinates the exchange of police information for the investigation and prosecution offences and for the execution of sentences and measures. 2 It may transmit police information for the purpose of preventing offences if there are specific indications that there is a serious probability of a felony or misdemeanour being committed. 3 It may coordinate the exchange of information relating to searches for missing persons and for the identification of unknown persons. 4 In the interest of preventing and investigating offences, the Federal Office of Police may receive and provide information from and to private individuals if this is in the interests of the persons concerned and their consent has been given or may be assumed in the circumstances. |
Art. 352
c. Data protection 1 The exchange of police information is governed by the principles of the Mutual Assistance Act of 20 March 1981452 as well as the Constitution and General Regulations of INTERPOL declared to be applicable by the Federal Council. 2 The Federal Act of 19 June 1992453 on Data Protection applies to the exchange of information in connection with searches for missing persons and the identification of unknown persons and for administrative purposes. 3 The Federal Office may provide information directly to the Central Bureaus of other states provided the recipient state is subject to the INTERPOL data protection regulations. |
Art. 354
3. Cooperation in connection with the identification of persons 1 The responsible department registers and stores criminal records data recorded and transmitted to the department by cantonal, federal and foreign authorities in connection with criminal proceedings or in fulfilment of other statutory duties. This data may be used for comparison purposes to identify a wanted or unknown person. 2 The following authorities may use and process data in terms of paragraph 1:
3 Personal data that relates to criminal records data in accordance with paragraph 1 is processed in separate information systems; the procedure is subject to the provisions of the Federal Act of 13 June 2008457 on Federal Police Information Systems, the Asylum Act of 26 June 1998458 and the Federal Act of 16 December 2005459 on Foreign Nationals. The DNA Profile Information System is subject to the provisions of the DNA Profiling Act of 20 June 2003460.461 4 The Federal Council:
5 The SEM or the Federal Office of Police (fedpol) may transmit the data to the national section of the Schengen Information System (N-SIS) and the Schengen Information System (SIS) in an automated procedure for the purpose of issuing SIS alerts in the SIS.463 456 Inserted by Annex 1 No 4 of the FedD of 18 Dec. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Exchange of Notes between Switzerland and the EU relating to the Adoption of the Legislation on the Establishment, Operation and Use of the Schengen Information System (SIS), in force since 22 Nov. 2022 (AS 2021 365; 2022 638; BBl 2020 3465). 461 Amended by Annex 1 No 5 of the FA of 13 June 2008 on the Federal Police Information System, in force since 5 Dec. 2008 (AS 20084989; BBl 20065061). 462 Inserted by Annex 1 No 4 of the FedD of 18 Dec. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Exchange of Notes between Switzerland and the EU relating to the Adoption of the Legislation on the Establishment, Operation and Use of the Schengen Information System (SIS), in force since 22 Nov. 2022 (AS 2021 365; 2022 638; BBl 2020 3465). 463 Inserted by Annex 1 No 4 of the FedD of 18 Dec. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism and its Additional Protocol and the Strengthening of Criminal Justice Instruments for combating Terrorism and Organised Crime (SIS), in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 365; BBl 2020 3465). |
Art. 355464
4. ... 464 Repealed by Annex 1 No 5 of the FA of 13 June 2008 on the Federal Police Information System, with effect from 5 Dec. 2008 (AS 20084989; BBl 20065061). |
Art. 355a466
5. Cooperation with Europol a. Exchange of data 1 fedpol and the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) may pass on personal data, including sensitive personal data and personality profiles to the European Police Office (Europol).467 2 The passing on of such data is subject in particular to the requirements of Articles 3 and 10–13 of the Agreement of 24 September 2004468 between the Swiss Confederation and the European Police Office. 3 At the same time as passing on data, the Federal Office of Police shall notify Europol of the purpose for which the data is provided as well as of any restrictions with regard to its processing to which it is itself subject in accordance with federal or cantonal legislation. 4 The exchange of personal data with Europol is regarded as equivalent to an exchange with a competent authority of a Schengen State (Art. 349b).469 466 Inserted by Art. 2 of the FedD of 7 Oct. 2005 on the Approval and Implementation of the Agreement between Switzerland and Europol, in force since 1 April 2006 (AS 2006 10171018; BBl 2005 983). 467 Amended by Annex 1 No 4 of the FedD of 18 Dec. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Exchange of Notes between Switzerland and the EU relating to the Adoption of the Legislation on the Establishment, Operation and Use of the Schengen Information System (SIS), in force since 1 July 2021 (AS 2021 365; BBl 2020 3465). 468 SR 0.360.268.2 469 Inserted by No II 2 of the FA of 28 Sept. 2018 on the implementation of Directive (EU) 2016/680 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, in force since 1 March 2019 (AS 2019 625; BBl 2017 6941). |
Art. 355b471
b. Extension of mandate The Federal Council is authorised to agree with Europol amendments to the scope of its mandate in accordance with Article 3 paragraph 3 of the Agreement of 24 September 2004472 between the Swiss Confederation and the European Police Office. 471 Inserted by Art. 2 of the FedD of 7 Oct. 2005 on the Approval and Implementation of the Agreement between Switzerland and Europol, in force since 1 April 2006 (AS 2006 10171018; BBl 2005 983). 472 SR 0.360.268.2 |
Art. 355c473
5bis. Cooperation under the Schengen Association Agreement. Jurisdiction The federal and cantonal police authorities shall implement the provisions of the Schengen Association Agreement474 in accordance with domestic law. 473 Inserted by Art. 3 No 4 of the FedD of 17 Dec. 2004 on the Adoption and Implementation of the Bilateral Agreements between Switzerland and the EU on the Association to Schengen and Dublin, in force since 1 June 2008 (AS 20084472179; BBl 20045965). 474 Agreement of 26 Oct. 2004 between the Swiss Confederation, the European Union and the European Community on the Association of that State with the Implementation, Application and Development of the Schengen Acquis (SR 0.362.31); Agreement of 28 April 2005 between the Swiss Confederation and the Kingdom of Denmark on the Establishment of Rights and Obligations between these two States with a view to Cooperation on Schengen (SR 0.362.33); Agreement of 17 Dec. 2004 between the Swiss Confederation, the Republic of Iceland and the Kingdom of Norway on the implementation, application and development of the Schengen Acquis and on the criteria and procedure for determining the State responsible for examining an application for asylum lodged in Switzerland, Iceland or Norway (SR 0.362.32). |
Art. 355d475
5ter. ... 475 Inserted by Art. 3 No 4 of the FedD of 17 Dec. 2004 on the Adoption and Implementation of the Bilateral Agreements between Switzerland and the EU on the Association to Schengen and Dublin (AS 20084472179; BBl 20045965). Repealed by Annex 2 No II of the FA of 13 June 2008 on the Federal Police Information System, with effect from 5 Dec. 2008 (AS 20084989; BBl 20065061). |
Art. 355e476
5quater. SIRENE Office 1 fedpol manages the central office for the exchange of supplementary information with the Schengen states (SIRENE Office).477 2 Das SIRENE Office is the contact, coordination and consultation point for the exchange of information in connection with the alerts in the SIS. It reviews the formal admissibility of Swiss and foreign alerts in the SIS. 476 Inserted by Art. 3 No 4 of the FedD of 17 Dec. 2004 on the Adoption and Implementation of the Bilateral Agreements between Switzerland and the EU on the Association to Schengen and Dublin, in force since 1 June 2008 (AS 20084472179; BBl 20045965). 477 Amended by Annex 1 No 4 of the FedD of 18 Dec. 2020 on the Approval and Implementation of the Exchange of Notes between Switzerland and the EU relating to the Adoption of the Legislation on the Establishment, Operation and Use of the Schengen Information System (SIS), in force since 22 Nov. 2022 (AS 2021 365, 2022 638; BBl 2020 3465). |
Art. 355f–355g478
478 Inserted by No 4 of the FA of 19 March 2010 on the Implementation of Framework Decision 2008/977/JHA on the protection of personal data processed in the framework of police and judicial cooperation in criminal matters (AS 2010 3387; BBl 2009 6749). Repealed by No II 2 of the FA of 28 Sept. 2018 on the implementation of Directive (EU) 2016/680 on the protection of natural persons with regard to the processing of personal data by competent authorities for the purposes of the prevention, investigation, detection or prosecution of criminal offences or the execution of criminal penalties, with effect from 1 March 2019 (AS 2019 625; BBl 2017 6941). |
Art. 356–361479
479 Repealed by Annex 1 No II 8 of the Criminal Procedure Code of 5 Oct. 2007, with effect from 1 Jan. 2011 (AS 2010 1881; BBl 2006 1085). |
Art. 362480
6. Notification in relation to pornography If an investigating authority establishes that pornographic articles (Art. 197 para. 4) have been produced in or imported from a foreign state, it shall immediately notify the Federal Central Office for Combating Pornography. 480 Amended by Annex No 1 of the FedD of 27 Sept. 2013 (Lanzarote Convention), in force since 1 July 2014 (AS 2014 1159; BBl 2012 7571). |
Title Five: ... |
Art. 363481
481 Repealed by Annex 1 No II 8 of the Criminal Procedure Code of 5 Oct. 2007, with effect from 1 Jan. 2011 (AS 2010 1881; BBl 2006 1085). Revised by the Federal Assembly Drafting Committee on 20 Feb. 2013 (AS 2013 845). |
Art. 364482
482 Repealed by Annex No 1 of the FA of 15 Dec. 2017 (Child Protection), with effect from 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 2947; BBl 2015 3431). |
Title Six: Register of Criminal Convictions |
Art. 365
Purpose 1 The Federal Office of Justice, with the support of the other federal authorities and the cantons (Art. 367 para. 1), maintains a computerised register of criminal convictions and applications for extracts from the register of convictions in connection with ongoing criminal proceedings, which contains sensitive personal data and personality profiles. The data on convictions and on applications for extracts from the register of convictions in connection with ongoing criminal proceedings are processed separately in the computerised register. 2 The register serves to support the federal and cantonal authorities in the fulfilment of the following tasks:
483 [BS 1 121; AS 1949 221; 1987166; 198833; 19901587Art. 3 para. 2; 1991362No II 11, 1034No III; 1995146; 19991111, 2262Annex No 1; 20001891No IV 2; 2002 685No I 1, 701No I 1, 3988Annex No 3; 2003 4557Annex No II 2; 2004 1633No I 1, 4655No I 1; 2005 5685Annex No 2; 2006 979Art. 2 No 1, 1931Art. 18 No 1, 2197Annex No 3, 3459Annex No 1, 4745Annex No 1; 2007 359Annex No 1. AS 2007 5437Annex No I]. See now the FA of 16 Dec. 2005 on Foreign Nationals (SR 142.20). 487 Amended by Annex No 14 of the FA of 19 Dec. 2008 (Adult Protection, Law of Persons and Law of Children), in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2011 725; BBl 20067001). 488 Inserted by No II 1 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 (AS 2009 10931100; BBl 2008 2707). Amended by No II 1 of the FA of 25 Sept. 2015, in force since 1 July 2016 (AS 2016 1883; BBl 2014 6741). 490 Inserted by No II 1 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 (AS 2009 10931100; BBl 2008 2707). Amended by No II 1 of the FA of 25 Sept. 2015, in force since 1 July 2016 (AS 2016 1883; BBl 2014 6741). 491 Inserted by Annex No 1 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on Military Information Systems, in force since 1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2009 6617; BBl 2008 3213). 493 Inserted by Annex No 1 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on Military Information Systems, in force since 1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2009 6617; BBl 2008 3213). 494 Inserted by Annex No 1 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on Military Information Systems, in force since 1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2009 6617; BBl 2008 3213). 495 Inserted by Annex No 1 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on Military Information Systems, in force since 1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2009 6617; BBl 2008 3213). 497 Inserted by Annex No II 5 of the Intelligence Service Act of 25 Sept. 2015, in force since 1 Sept. 2017 (AS 2017 4095; BBl 2014 2105). 499 Inserted by Annex No II 5 of the Intelligence Service Act of 25 Sept. 2015, in force since 1 Sept. 2017 (AS 2017 4095; BBl 2014 2105). 500 Inserted by Annex No II 5 of the Intelligence Service Act of 25 Sept. 2015, in force since 1 Sept. 2017 (AS 2017 4095; BBl 2014 2105). 502 Inserted by Annex No II 5 of the Intelligence Service Act of 25 Sept. 2015, in force since 1 Sept. 2017 (AS 2017 4095; BBl 2014 2105). 503 Inserted by No I 6 of the FA of 25 Sept. 2020 on Police Measures to Combat Terrorism, in force since 1 Jan. 2022 (AS 2021 565, 672; BBl 2019 4751). |
Art. 366
Content 1 The register lists persons who have been convicted on the territory of the Confederation, together with Swiss nationals who have been convicted abroad. 2 The register also includes:
3 Convictions of juveniles are included only if the following sentences were imposed:
3bis Convictions of juveniles for contraventions must be included if the penalty involves an activity prohibition order or a contact prohibition and exclusion order (Art. 16a JCLA).507 4 The register also lists persons in respect of whom proceedings for felonies and misdemeanours are pending in Switzerland.508 506 Inserted by Art. 44 No 1 of the Juvenile Criminal Law Act of 20 June 2003 (AS 2006 3545; BBl 1999 1979). Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2013 on Activity Prohibition Orders and Contact Prohibition and Exclusion Orders, in force since 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2014 2055; BBl 2012 8819). 507 Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2013 on Activity Prohibition Orders and Contact Prohibition and Exclusion Orders, in force since 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2014 2055; BBl 2012 8819). 508 Originally para. 3. |
Art. 367
Processing of and access to data 1 The following authorities process personal data on convictions in the register in accordance with Article 366 paragraphs 1–3:509
2 The following authorities may have online access to the personal data on convictions in accordance with Article 366 paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 letters a and b:510:
2bis The following authorities may also have online access to the personal data on convictions in accordance with Article 366 paragraphs 3 letters c:
2ter Authorities in terms of paragraphs 2 letters c–l and 2septies may access judgements that include an expulsion order for as long as the person concerned is subject to that order. If the period under Article 369 is longer, that period applies as the duration of access.529 2quater In order to fulfil its duties under Article 365 paragraph 2 letters n–q, the federal office responsible for the register shall notify the Defence Group regularly of the following data newly recorded in VOSTRA relating to persons eligible for military service, members of the armed forces and persons required to do civil defence service:530
2quinquies Notice is given of the personal details of Swiss nationals over the age of 17 who are registered in accordance with paragraph 2quater. If the Armed Forces Joint Staff identifies a reported person as being subject to recruitment or as a member of the armed forces, the office responsible for the register also provides the data on the conviction and sentence.532 2sexies Notice and identification in accordance with paragraph 2quinquies may be effected via an electronic interface between the Armed Forces Personnel Information System (PISA) and the register.533 2septies For the purpose of carrying out background checks with a view to granting or withdrawing recognition as a "Youth and Sport" officer, the Federal Office of Sport may by written request inspect personal data relating to criminal convictions.534 3 The Federal Council may, if the number of requests for information so justifies, after consulting the Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner535 and until formal legislation on the relevant legal principles comes into force, extend the rights of inspection under paragraph 2 to additional federal and cantonal law enforcement and administrative authorities. 4 Personal data in relation to pending criminal proceedings may only be processed by the authorities listed in paragraph 2 letters a–e, i, j 4bis ...537 4ter For the purpose of carrying out background checks with a view to granting or suspending recognition as a "Youth and Sport" officer, the Federal Office of Sport may by written request inspect personal data relating to criminal convictions.538 5 Each canton shall establish a coordination office for the processing of the data in the register. 6 The Federal Council regulates the details, and in particular:
509 Amended by Annex No 2 of the FA of 19 March 2010, in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2010 6015, 2011 487; BBl 2009 5917). 510 Amended by Annex No 2 of the FA of 19 March 2010, in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2010 6015, 2011 487; BBl 2009 5917). 511 Name in accordance with Annex No 2 of the FA of 18 March 2016, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2016 4277, 2017 2297; BBl 2014 6955). 512 Amended by No I 3 of the Ordinance of 3 Nov. 2004 on the Amendment of Statutory Provisions due to the Merger of the Federal Offices IMES and FOR, in force since 1 Jan. 2005 (AS 2004 4655). 513 The name of this administrative unit was amended by Art. 16 para. 3 of the Publications Ordinance of 17 Nov. 2004 (AS 2004 4937), in force since 1 Jan. 2015 514 Repealed by No I 3 of the Ordinance of 3 Nov. 2004 on the Amendment of Statutory Provisions due to the Merger of the Federal Offices IMES and FOR, with effect from 1 Jan. 2005 (AS 2004 4655). 515 Amended by Annex No II 5 of the Intelligence Service Act of 25 Sept. 2015, in force since 1 Sept. 2017 (AS 2017 4095; BBl 2014 2105). 517 Inserted by No II of the FA of 21 March 2003, in force since 1 Jan. 2004 (AS 2003 48434854; BBl 2001 6127). 518 The name of this administrative unit was amended by Art. 20 para. 2 of the Publications Ordinance of 7 Oct. 2015 (SR 170.512.1), in force since 1 Jan. 2019. 519 Inserted by Annex No 1 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on Military Information Systems, in force since 1 Jan. 2010 (AS 2009 6617; BBl 2008 3213). 520 Inserted by Annex No 3 of the FA of 23 Dec. 2011 on Extra-Procedural Witness Protection, in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2012 6715; BBl 2011 1). 522 Inserted by Annex No II 5 of the Intelligence Service Act of 25 Sept. 2015, in force since 1 Sept. 2017 (AS 2017 4095; BBl 2014 2105). 523 Inserted by No I 6 of the FA of 25 Sept. 2020 on Police Measures to Combat Terrorism, in force since 1 Jan. 2022 (AS 2021 565, 672; BBl 2019 4751). 525 Name in accordance with Annex No 2 of the FA of 18 March 2016, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2016 4277, 2017 2297; BBl 2014 6955). 527 Amended by Annex No II 5 of the Intelligence Service Act of 25 Sept. 2015, in force since 1 Sept. 2017 (AS 2017 4095; BBl 2014 2105). 528 Inserted by Annex No 1 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on Military Information Systems (AS 2009 6617; BBl 2008 3213). Amended by Annex No 2 of the FA of 19 March 2010, in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2010 6015, 2011 487; BBl 2009 5917). 529 Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Implementation of Art. 121 para. 3–6 Federal Constitution on the expulsion of foreign nationals convicted of certain criminal offences), in force since 1 Oct. 2016 (AS 2016 2329; BBl 2013 5975). 530 Amended by Annex No 2 of the FA of 18 March 2016, in force since 1 Jan. 2018 (AS 2016 4277, 2017 2297; BBl 2014 6955). 531 Originally: para. 2ter. Inserted by Annex No 1 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 on Military Information Systems (AS 2009 6617; BBl 2008 3213). Amended by Annex No 2 of the FA of 19 March 2010, in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2010 6015, 2011 487; BBl 2009 5917). 532 Inserted by Annex No 2 of the FA of 19 March 2010 (AS 2010 6015, 2011 487; BBl 2009 5917). Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Implementation of Art. 121 para. 3–6 Federal Constitution on the expulsion of foreign nationals convicted of certain criminal offences), in force since 1 Oct. 2016 (AS 2016 2329; BBl 2013 5975). 533 Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Implementation of Art. 121 para. 3–6 Federal Constitution on the expulsion of foreign nationals convicted of certain criminal offences), in force since 1 Oct. 2016 (AS 2016 2329; BBl 2013 5975). 534 Originally: para. 2sexies. Inserted by Art. 34 No 1 of the Sport Promotion Act of 17 June 2011, in force since 1 Oct. 2012 (AS 2012 3953; BBl 2009 8189). 535 The name of this administrative unit was amended by Art. 16 para. 3 of the Publications Ordinance of 17 Nov. 2004 (AS 2004 4937). 536 Amended by No I 6 of the FA of 25 Sept. 2020 on Police Measures to Combat Terrorism, in force since 1 Jan. 2022 (AS 2021 565, 672; BBl 2019 4751). 537 Inserted by No II 1 of the FA of 3 Oct. 2008 (AS 2009 1093; BBl 2008 2707). Repealed by No II 1 of the FA of 25 Sept. 2015, with effect from 1 July 2016 (AS 2016 1883; BBl 2014 6741). 538 Inserted by Art. 34 No 1 of the Sport Promotion Act of 17 June 2011, in force since 1 Oct. 2012 (AS 2012 3953; BBl 2009 8189). |
Art. 369
Removal of entries 1 Convictions that involve a custodial sentence are removed ex officio if the following periods have elapsed over and above the period of the sentence imposed by the court:
2 In the event that a custodial sentence has already been entered in the register, the periods in accordance with paragraph 1 are extended by the duration of that sentence. 3 Convictions involving a suspended custodial sentence, a suspended custody order, a monetary penalty, community service or a fine as the main penalty are removed ex officio after ten years.541 4 Convictions that involve an in-patient measure in addition to a sentence or an in-patient measure alone are removed ex officio after:
4bis Convictions that solely involve out-patient treatment in accordance with Article 63 are removed ex officio after ten years. Convictions that involve out-patient treatment in accordance with Article 14 JCLA are removed ex officio after five years unless it is possible to calculate the period in accordance with paragraphs 1–4.544 4ter Convictions that solely involve a measure under Article 66 paragraph 1, 67 paragraph 1 or 67e of this Code or under Articles 48, 50 paragraph 1 or 50e of the Military Criminal Code545 are removed ex officio after ten years.546 4quater Convictions that solely involve a prohibition order under Article 67 paragraphs 2–4 or under 67b of this Act or under Article 50 paragraphs 2–4 or under 50b MCC are removed ex officio after ten years.547 4quinquies Convictions that solely involve a prohibition order under Article 16a JCLA are removed ex officio after seven years.548 5 The periods in accordance with paragraph 4 are extended by the duration of the remainder of the sentence. 5bis Convictions that include an expulsion order remain on the register until the death of the person concerned. If the person concerned is not resident in Switzerland, the conviction is removed from the register at the latest 100 years after his birth. If the person concerned acquires Swiss citizenship, he may apply to have the conviction removed in accordance with periods set out in paragraphs 1–5 eight years after naturalisation.549 6 The period begins to run:
7 After removal, the entry may no longer be reconstructed. The removed conviction may no longer be cited against the person concerned. 8 Data from the register of convictions must not be archived. 539 Inserted by Art. 44 No 1 of the Juvenile Criminal Law Act of 20 June 2003, in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 20063545; BBl 1999 1979). 541 Amended by Annex No 2 of the FA of 19 March 2010, in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2010 6015, 2011 487; BBl 2009 5917). 542 Amended by No I of the FA of 24 March 2006 (Revision of the Law on Sanctions and the Register of Convictions), in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 35393544; BBl 2005 4689). 543 Inserted by Annex No 2 of the FA of 19 March 2010, in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2010 6015, 2011 487; BBl 2009 5917). 544 Inserted by No I of the FA of 24 March 2006 (Revision of the Law on Sanctions and the Register of Convictions)(AS 2006 35393544; BBl 2005 4689). Amended by Annex No 2 of the FA of 19 March 2010, in force since 1 Jan. 2013 (AS 2010 6015, 2011 487; BBl 2009 5917). 546 Inserted by No I of the FA of 24 March 2006 (Revision of the Law on Sanctions and the Register of Convictions), in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 35393544; BBl 2005 4689). Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2013 on Activity Prohibition Orders and Contact Prohibition and Exclusion Orders, in force since 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2014 2055; BBl 2012 8819). 547 Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 16 March 2018 (Implementation of Art. 123c Cst.), in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 3803; BBl 2016 6115). 548 Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 16 March 2018 (Implementation of Art. 123c Cst.), in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 3803; BBl 2016 6115). 549 Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Implementation of Art. 121 para. 3–6 Federal Constitution on the expulsion of foreign nationals convicted of certain criminal offences), in force since 1 Oct. 2016 (AS 2016 2329; BBl 2013 5975). 550 Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 16 March 2018 (Implementation of Art. 123c Cst.), in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 3803; BBl 2016 6115). 551 Amended by No I of the FA of 24 March 2006 (Revision of the Law on Sanctions and the Register of Convictions), in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 35393544; BBl 2005 4689). |
Art. 369a552
Removal of convictions involving an activity prohibition order or a contact prohibition and exclusion order Convictions that involve a prohibition order under Article 67 paragraphs 2–4 or 67b of this Code, under Article 50 paragraphs 2–4 or 50b MCC553 or under Article 16a JCLA554shall be removed ex officio ten years after the expiry of the prohibition order.555 If the terms are longer under Article 369, then these terms apply. 552 Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2013 on Activity Prohibition Orders and Contact Prohibition and Exclusion Orders, in force since 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2014 2055; BBl 2012 8819). 555 Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 16 March 2018 (Implementation of Art. 123c Cst.), in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 3803; BBl 2016 6115). |
Art. 371
Extract for private individuals 1 Any person may request the Swiss Central Register of Convictions to issue a written extract from the register of criminal convictions relating to him. The extract lists convictions for felonies and misdemeanours; convictions for contraventions appear in the extract only if an activity prohibition order or a contact prohibition and exclusion order in accordance with Article 67 or 67b of this Code or under Article 50 or 50b MCC557 or under Article 16a JCLA558was imposed.559 2 Juvenile convictions appear in the extract from the register of convictions only if the person concerned was convicted as an adult of additional offences that must be included in the extract from the register of convictions. 3 A conviction containing a sentence is no longer included in the extract from the register of convictions if two thirds of the period required for removal in accordance with Article 369 paragraphs 1–5 and 6 has elapsed.560 3bis A conviction containing a suspended or partially suspended sentence is no longer included in the extract from the register of convictions if the offender was of good behaviour until the expiry of the probationary period.561 4 A conviction containing a measure in addition to a sentence or a measure alone is no longer included in the extract from the register of convictions if half of the period required for removal in accordance with Article 369 paragraphs 1–5 and 6 has elapsed.562 4bis A conviction that includes an expulsion order appears in the extract from the register of convictions for as long as the person concerned is subject to the order. If the period under paragraph 3 or 4 is longer, it determines how long the order appears in the private extract.563 5 On expiry of the period in accordance with paragraphs 3, 4 and 4bis, the conviction remains in the extract from the register of convictions if it contains a conviction in respect of which the period has not yet expired.564 559 Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2013 on Activity Prohibition Orders and Contact Prohibition and Exclusion Orders, in force since 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2014 2055; BBl 2012 8819). 560 Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Implementation of Art. 121 para. 3–6 Federal Constitution on the expulsion of foreign nationals convicted of certain criminal offences), in force since 1 Oct. 2016 (AS 2016 2329; BBl 2013 5975). 561 Inserted by No I of the FA of 24 March 2006 (Revision of the Law on Sanctions and the Register of Convictions), in force since 1 Jan. 2007 (AS 2006 35393544; BBl 2005 4689). 562 Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Implementation of Art. 121 para. 3–6 Federal Constitution on the expulsion of foreign nationals convicted of certain criminal offences), in force since 1 Oct. 2016 (AS 2016 2329; BBl 2013 5975). 563 Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Implementation of Art. 121 para. 3–6 Federal Constitution on the expulsion of foreign nationals convicted of certain criminal offences), in force since 1 Oct. 2016 (AS 2016 2329; BBl 2013 5975). 564 Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 20 March 2015 (Implementation of Art. 121 para. 3–6 Federal Constitution on the expulsion of foreign nationals convicted of certain criminal offences), in force since 1 Oct. 2016 (AS 2016 2329; BBl 2013 5975). |
Art. 371a565
Special private extract 1 The following persons may request a special private extract from the register of convictions relating to their person:
2 Along with the application, he must submit written confirmation in which the entity requesting him to provide the special private extract, be it the employer, the organisation or the competent authority for authorising the exercise of the activity, confirms that:567
3 The special private extract displays:
4 A conviction shall be displayed in the special private extract for as long as a prohibition order under paragraph 3 involved therein continues to apply. 565 Inserted by No I 1 of the FA of 13 Dec. 2013 on Activity Prohibition Orders and Contact Prohibition and Exclusion Orders, in force since 1 Jan. 2015 (AS 2014 2055; BBl 2012 8819). 566 Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 16 March 2018 (Implementation of Art. 123c Cst.), in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 3803; BBl 2016 6115). 567 Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 16 March 2018 (Implementation of Art. 123c Cst.), in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 3803; BBl 2016 6115). 568 Amended by No I 1 of the FA of 16 March 2018 (Implementation of Art. 123c Cst.), in force since 1 Jan. 2019 (AS 2018 3803; BBl 2016 6115). |