According to the “Tages-Anzeiger”, the investigation was initiated by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and the American research platform ProPublica. Nearly 60 media outlets in 46 countries participated in the “Shadow Diplomats” project. For Switzerland, Tamedia’s research bureau was involved, the “Tages-Anzeiger” published Monday evening.
Together, more than 500 current or former Honorary Consuls were identified who were or are involved in criminal cases, scandals or regulatory investigations, including convicted drug and arms traffickers and sex offenders.
A former honorary consul of Italy in Egypt is said to have tried to remove valuable artifacts such as mummy masks from the country and was sentenced – in absentia – to 15 years in prison.
According to the report, the biggest problem is that honorary diplomats enjoy privileges but are insufficiently monitored. Honorary consuls must, among other things, support countries that cannot afford to send full-time diplomats abroad.
According to the “Tages-Anzeiger”, a case in Switzerland raises questions about relations between Switzerland and Mongolia. Mongolia has its own embassy in Geneva. And she honors a prominent representative in Zurich with the position of Honorary Consul, namely Urs E. Schwarzenbach, art collector and co-owner of Hotel Dolder Grand.
Schwarzenbach has been Honorary Consul of Mongolia since 2010. He recently made headlines when he wanted to import three valuable works of art unpaid. There were searches. Later, other paintings and sculptures were added, for which he also paid no dues. He had to pay nearly 200 million francs in fees.
There are currently 126 foreign-accredited honorary consuls in Switzerland. Lawyers and fiduciaries, financial advisors or bankers are especially common. Also notable: a number of honorary consuls working in the financial sector were also involved in sometimes large transactions with offshore companies, which even federal experts classify as a special risk.
In Western countries, people with long professional experience, for example in business or politics, often fulfill this honorary position. For example, they maintain contacts in the other country and certify documents. However, according to the research, there are plenty of black sheep that specifically abuse the privileges, for example while traveling – and some titles can even be purchased.
According to the investigation, the German government has sent five so-called verbal notes since 2020 to inform other countries about criminal investigations against their honorary consuls. Germany is also represented abroad by many honorary consuls – often in smaller cities or regions where there are no embassies or consulates.
(SDA)