Swiss Conscience

The Swiss are known for many things; Tennis (Roger Federer), Chocolate (Lindt), their famed neutrality and of course their notoriously conscienceless and secretive banks.

But have the Swiss suddenly grown a conscience? It does seem so if recent statements by the Government of Switzerland are to be believed. For years, perhaps decades, Swiss Banks have been notorious for helping international crooks hide stolen loot in secret accounts. This practice has enriched the Swiss Banks and provided a safe haven for dictators, despots, drug dealers, rebels, mercenaries and many tax cheats.

Many nations especially in Africa have unsuccessfully tried to repatriate funds stolen by wayward government officials and their family members. There are countless examples of these cases; where the Swiss Banks appear to be willing collaborators as holders of stolen funds. Former African Big Men like Mobutu-Sese Seko, Sani Abacha are known to have stashed away Billions of US Dollars in "numbered" Swiss Bank accounts. The Swiss have often balked at any suggestions of returning the loots, instead shamelessly claiming some weird 'client' confidentiality privilege in order to uphold their sacred bank practices.

Even in the cases where there was un-refuted proof and evidence of theft, the Swiss would not budge. Recently, the Swiss (and other Tax haven countries) have been severally chastised by the United States for helping to shelter American Tax cheats. With these latest bombardments from Uncle Sam, it seems the 'knocks' and calls for openness are beginning to be heeded.

I cannot understand why it has taken the 'neutral' Swiss this long to own up and expose these disgraceful practice and crooks. [Maybe I can, it is all about money right? Damn those from which it was stolen.] Hopefully with this new statement of promised cooperation, stolen loot from impoverished African countries can be returned when discovered. More importantly, rogues who want to siphon monies into Swiss accounts will be denied this access. This singular act will no doubt help the fight against corruption in these countries.

Under no circumstances should the ill-gotten wealth of criminals and rogues be protected like the Swiss Banks have done for decades. This kind of behavior is bereft, nonsensical and not very 'neutral'. I for one welcome the Change.