Kazakhstan and Switzerland have reached an understanding on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and the return of illegally transferred assets

Bern, November 5, 2024 - During a working visit to Bern (Switzerland), the Prosecutor General of Kazakhstan, Berik Assylov, held talks with the Swiss Prosecutor General, Stefan Blattler, and the Deputy Director of the Swiss Federal Office of Justice, Laurence Fontana Jungo, during which the parties discussed current issues of international legal cooperation in criminal matters and the enhancement of mechanisms for the return of illegally transferred assets.

Head of the supervisory authority of Kazakhstan informed his colleagues about the reforms implemented by President K.Tokayev, including the adoption of a law in July 2023 on the return of illegally acquired assets to the state, the establishment of a corresponding Committee at the Prosecutor General’s Office, and the creation of a special fund that distributes returned capital to finance important socio-economic projects, thereby enhancing the well-being of the people and restoring justice. He noted that since 2022, more than $3.5 billion has been returned to Kazakhstan.

B.Assylov, noting the importance of attracting foreign investment, also emphasized that the General Prosecutor’s Office of Kazakhstan ensures legal protection for foreign investors, including those from Switzerland, which contributes to strengthening the economic partnership between the two countries.

The Prosecutor General Blattler, and the Deputy Director of the Office of Justice Fontana Jungo reaffirmed their commitment to assisting Kazakhstan in the recovery of illegally transferred assets and in furthering international cooperation. Representatives of the Swiss Office of Justice expressed support for Kazakhstan’s aspiration to join the European Convention on Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters.

Following the visit, an intergovernmental Memorandum of Understanding on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters was signed. The document was signed on behalf of the Government of Kazakhstan by the Prosecutor General and on behalf of the Government of Switzerland by the Deputy Director of the Federal Office of Justice.

The Memorandum reflects the countries' commitment to simplifying procedures for exchanging information on criminal cases, including the recovery of illegally transferred assets, which will strengthen joint efforts in combating financial crimes and enhance the partnership.