Switzerland has emerged as a key hub in Venezuela’s gold dealings.
According to Swiss TV SRF, billions of francs’ worth of Venezuelan gold was flown here between 2012 and 2016 and remelted.
The shipments, ordered by President Nicolás Maduro, were used to raise hard currency as the state neared bankruptcy.
Venezuela defaulted in 2017 and now owes around USD 170 bn.
Much of the gold was later sold on, including to Turkey.
Today, tighter rules make such trades unlikely.
ICRC neutrality important
The head of the International Committee of the Red Cross says Switzerland and the Geneva-based humanitarian body should keep their neutralities distinct
Cyclists fined
Gendarmes and municipal police handed out 135-euro fines to cyclists caught ignoring a road closure along Lake Annecy this weekend
Swiss football captain banned from training camp
Switzerland's football captain Granit Xhaka has admitted procuring a fake Covid vaccination certificate and will miss the next four Nations League matches
Price change for homeowners with solar panels
Swiss households with solar panels face a significant change from 1 January
AI not recommended in the mountains
Swiss mountain guides are sounding the alarm over hikers using ChatGPT and similar tools to plan trips into the Alps.
Geneva airport travel landmark
For the first time in Geneva Airport's history, more passengers are flying to and from China than to and from the United States
