Ex-Air Force security chief was considered a risk for many years

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The “chief of integral security” of the Swiss Air Force, which protects our country from the air, bears a great responsibility. It ensures the protection of people, material, real estate and information.

As research by SRF now shows, the former chief of security of the Air Force would have been a security risk for years.

The ex-security chief was deeply in debt

Citing publicly available information, documents and knowledgeable sources, SRF Investigative reports that the ex-boss was classified as a security risk last year.

The reason: He would have had debts privately – and in the high five-figure range. He had accrued both debt and unpaid tax bills. As a result, there was a risk that he would be bribed, SRF continues. In his safety-relevant function, this could have had fatal consequences.

The Air Force waived another personal security check

Given that the ex-security chief’s financial problems went back years, they could have been discovered before he took up his position in 2018.

However, the Air Force waived another personal security check. Experts sharply criticized the Air Force’s performance in comparison to the television station. During this period in particular, the largest armaments deal in Swiss history is said to have taken place with the purchase of the new fighter jets for six billion Swiss francs.

According to Basel corruption expert Mark Pieth, people who are exposed pose a risk, which is why it is necessary to conduct risk-based research on people before taking up key positions. “You would have noticed right away: he has problems with his finances,” Pieth told SRF.

It was not until five months later that he had to resign his position

But that is not everything. Even after the regular security check was available in March 2022 and the risk of the former boss came to light, the security chief kept his position. It was not until five months later that he had to resign his position.

According to defense communications, the former “Head of Integral Security” was relieved of his position in May 2022. However, this was not recorded in the system until later. In addition, Air Force Chief Peter Merz ordered that he no longer have access to sensitive data.

The Federal Public Service Defence, Civil Protection and Sport responded to the incident as follows: “The integral security of the air force, the army and/or partners at home and abroad has not been endangered at any time.” (dzc)

Source:Blick