The Tightening of Swiss Anti-Corruption Legislation, Particularly in the Field of Bribery in the Private Sector (Private Bribery)

Barely registered by the public, on 1st July 2006, a new piece of anti-corruption legislation entered into force in Switzer¬land. The new provisions on bribery in the private sector lie at the heart of the new legislation. The key new point is the fact that a private individual receiving a bribe (passive bribery) can now also be prosecuted. The reform also introduces cor¬porate criminal liability in cases of private bribery. A further aspect of the new law provides for the criminal liability in Switzerland of bribed foreign state officials and officials of international organisations.