Swiss banks 'reported possible money laundering'

June 17, 2015•1 Minutes
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Swiss prosecutors are investigating 53 cases of possible money laundering in their inquiry into bidding for the 2018 and 2022 Fifa World Cups.

Attorney General Michael Lauber said the incidents had been reported by Swiss banks.

He said his office was analysing a “huge amount” of seized Fifa data in its inquiry.

The Swiss investigation is running in parallel to one being carried out by the US.

Separately, Fifa’s chief ethics investigator said on Wednesday that the organisation was also looking into alleged breaches by officials relating to bidding for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.

“Should new evidence come to light, the investigatory chamber will widen the group of suspects,” Carl Borbely said in a statement, adding that Fifa investigators were prepared to increase staff numbers “at any time if needed”.

The 2018 and 2022 World Cups were awarded to Russia and Qatar respectively. But senior Fifa official Domenico Scala has said the awards could be cancelled if evidence emerges of bribery.

Both countries deny any wrongdoing.

Source-BBC