Judiciary

In a significant ruling, the Thurgau High Court has sentenced an incorrigible perpetrator to 10 years in prison and ordered his expulsion from Switzerland for a period of 15 years. The court confirmed the decision made by the district court, which had found the man guilty of extorting over half a million francs.

Background of the Case

The accused, a resident of Oberthurgau, was charged by the Bischofszell public prosecutor in January 2023. The court proceedings revealed that the man had manipulated various private individuals, including a former lover, to secure financial gains. He used the money to cover his family’s living expenses and fund his gambling addiction.

According to the indictment, the man convinced his lover to take out loans worth over 55,000 francs using fake documents. He also persuaded another victim to transfer their pension fund credit to him. Additionally, he defrauded his former employer by obtaining over 200,000 francs for the supposed medical treatment of his sick mother abroad and participation in martial arts.

Extortion and Blackmail

The accused is also alleged to have extorted high five or six-digit sums from various victims, threatening them with violence. Furthermore, he obtained a Covid-19 loan with false information, adding to his illegal financial gains. The court found that he had driven two of his companies into bankruptcy, causing financial ruin.

District Court Decision

In the summer of 2023, the district court sentenced the main perpetrator to almost ten years in prison and ordered his expulsion from Switzerland. The court also imposed a replacement claim of CHF 350,000 in favor of the state and ordered repayment of around 22,000 euros to two victims. Additionally, the court required compensation and satisfaction claims totaling around CHF 270,000.

High Court Confirmation

The Thurgau High Court confirmed the district court’s decision on April 15, 2025. The court rejected the man’s appeal, which cited his family’s hardship as a reason to avoid expulsion. The higher court emphasized that the man’s criminal behavior demonstrated a significant risk of relapse and that his departure from Switzerland was in the public interest.

The court noted that the man had failed to integrate socially or economically in Switzerland and had accumulated high debts. His criminal record and the severity of his offenses led the court to uphold the maximum expulsion period of 15 years.

Implications for Future Cases

This ruling sets a precedent for future cases involving financial fraud and extortion. The court’s decision underscores the importance of public safety and the need for severe penalties for those who exploit the Swiss legal system for personal gain.

Expert legal analysts suggest that the case highlights the effectiveness of the Swiss judicial system in handling complex financial crimes. The thorough investigation and robust legal proceedings have ensured justice for the victims and sent a clear message to potential offenders.

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