After the blackmail debacle, why didn’t the federal government notice the women’s escapades?

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According to information from Blick, women’s escapades led to the new security chief Jean-Daniel Ruch (60) being the first – before he had even come to power. Investigations show that he has not yet been accused of any criminally relevant misconduct.

Not only is there a divorce with the future employer of Viola Amherd (61), the Ministry of Defense (VBS), the current Swiss ambassador to Turkey will also lose his ambassadorship at the end of this year and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (EDA) to leave. ) next summer.

Exam failed

Ruch’s personal security check (PSP) failed. As ambassador, Ruch was required to undergo such screening every five years, most recently in June 2019 – an extensive PSP that also includes questioning senior state officials. But the examiners failed to notice that his lifestyle could make Ruch vulnerable to blackmail.

But that’s exactly what the PSP is designed to prevent. The test, which approximately 70,000 people must undergo annually, is intended to ensure that only employees with integrity are hired by the state. Secret information must remain secret. Anyone who could be vulnerable to corruption or because of their sex life should be sought out.

Not only federal employees are checked, but also high-ranking cantonal employees connected to Bern, military personnel and, for example, carrying out checks at a nuclear power plant.

Three phases

There are three levels to the exam. The following applies: the more security-sensitive the access to data is, the more extensive the security check. Or also: the higher someone rises in the federal hierarchy, the more stringently he is screened.

During the basic security check, the first phase, various databases are queried, the criminal record extract is checked and files can be requested from the court. The test is administered to federal employees who have access to confidential information or those seeking access to military security or restricted areas.

The second level is the extended PSP. Collection and bankruptcy data are also collected here. Places of residence in the past ten years are also requested. This is to ensure that federal employees are not in debt. Anyone who has access to not only confidential but also secret information must take this into account.

The third and highest level is the extensive personal security check with interviews for people who have “regular and extensive” insight into and influence government activities. This especially affects senior officials who are tested during personal conversations. You have to answer even the most intimate questions about your sex life.

Exception for the top team

Viola Amherds VBS is generally responsible for personal security checks. However, there is one exception: for top executives appointed by the Federal Council. This is carried out by the Federal Chancellery. This is a consequence of the affair involving former army leader Roland Nef (64).

The Federal Chancellery also carried out Jean-Daniel Ruch’s personal security check. But even though he had to pass the highest level PSP and was interviewed, they apparently found nothing against further employment.

Politicians are now calling for a review of personal security checks. The Ruch case makes you doubt the effectiveness of the exams.

Source:Blick