The Commission for Public Security (SIK) supports the efforts of the government council to be able to process the around 400 expected Covid-19 fraud proceedings quickly and promptly. However, it cuts the requested funds from CHF 4.596 million to CHF 3.1 million due to open factors and uncertainties. The canton is currently assuming a crime amounting to around 15 million francs.
The Public Safety Commission (SIK) generally approves the timely processing of Covid 19 fraud cases and the associated temporary increase in the number of posts at the public prosecutor’s office and the cantonal police. The government council requests seven temporary positions from the public prosecutor’s office and three temporary positions from the canton police.
The desire for consistent punishment of criminal withdrawals from Covid funds is unanimous and undisputed in all parliamentary groups. However, the figures presented by the department on the number of cases as well as further uncertainties regarding the specific needs of the public prosecutor and the cantonal police of a total of ten offices were questioned. In addition, the calculation of the necessary job percentages was critically examined.
An application to reduce the financial resources from 4.596 million francs to 3.1 million francs, and thus the number of jobs, found a narrow majority in the commission. The department is unanimously left with the operational organization with the funds reduced by the commission. However, an interim report is required after one year so that the situation can then be reassessed and needs can be precisely determined again. A possible increase in the funds or the position ceiling or an extension of the duration of the project positions is not ruled out after the interim report has been submitted.
The final motion with the reduced credit was unanimously approved by the commission.
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Unlawful withdrawal of Covid-19 loans
The around 400 expected proceedings concern the criminal prosecution of illegally obtained or used Covid-19 credits, income replacement by the self-employed, short-time work compensation or cantonal aid funds. The canton is currently assuming a crime amounting to around 15 million francs.
With the resources currently available from the canton police and the public prosecutor’s office, these proceedings cannot be processed within the three years required by the government council.
The team, which is to be specially formed for close cooperation between the public prosecutor and the cantonal police, will be housed at a common location in Buchs for more efficient processing of the cases.
The proposal is expected to be discussed by the Grand Council in January 2022.
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