White-Collar Crime

We represent corporations, financial institutions, boards of directors, management, and individuals in government investigations, enforcement actions, and white-collar criminal prosecutions by both Swiss and foreign authorities. Additionally, we assist clients with civil claims and asset recovery, including international legal assistance in criminal matters (such as extradition, asset freezing or confiscation, and document seizure), as well as administrative support in international tax matters.

Our approach to White-Collar Crime Disputes

White-collar crime cases are particularly challenging for all parties involved and require strategic foresight and strong expertise. Our team of seasoned lawyers leverages extensive experience in senior in-house investigations positions, in legal practice, and the criminal justice system. We are committed to tackling challenges with a calm and composed approach, even in turbulent times.

We are committed to our clients' goals and interests with passion, perseverance, and creativity, developing tailored strategies for each case. We specialise in dealing with critical situations, coordinating with experts from our network, such as forensic experts, PR consultants, accountants, other lawyers, former prosecutors and crisis managers as required.

We are independent and conflict-free

As an independent law firm based in Switzerland, we have the liberty to collaborate with any forensic or accounting expert and advisor globally and often serve as the central coordinator for all legal representatives involved in a strategy that spans multiple jurisdictions. Our lack of affiliation with any international networks or global offices allows us to partner with the most suitable experts and lawyers for each specific white-collar crime matter or dispute and work alongside our clients' existing advisors worldwide.

Our firm's independence and focus solely on dispute resolution, investigations, white-collar crime and compliance enable us to take on cases that many other firms cannot, due to conflicts of interest. We are a preferred firm for conflict referral work, trusted by some of the world's largest law firms to protect their clients' interests. This trust cements our status as premier specialists in white-collar crime.

Track Record

Defending a Swiss company before the Attorney General against corporate criminal liability allegations involving assertion of foreign bribery.
Representing a Swiss international company in several complex and data-intensive unsealing proceedings.
Representing defendant in crypto currency fraud case
Defense of sales manager in professional fraud and criminal mismanagement case relating to software licensing
Representing affected parties by asset freezing and confiscation proceedings in connection with the international bribery case of the Venezuelan oil company PDVSA
Representing plaintiff in construction fraud case
Representing plaintiff in personality fraud case in connection with wealthy banker dynasty
Successful representation of Peruvian citizen against extradition sentence due to social security fraud
Criminal defense against charges for unlawful activities on behalf of a foreign state (article 271 CC) relating to the collection of Italian penalties for traffic violations on Swiss territory
Representing plaintiff in embezzlement of funds case
Representing plaintiff in investment fraud case
Representing plaintiff in bankruptcy crimes case
Defending a Swiss company before the Attorney General against corporate criminal liability allegations involving assertion of foreign bribery.
Representing a Swiss international company in several complex and data-intensive unsealing proceedings.

Representing and advising client in legal assistance proceedings based on embezzlement investigations in Barcelona.
Representation of wealthy US citizens relating to requests of the IRS for international assistance.
Representing a Moroccan entrepreneur in legal assistance proceedings brought by the Vietnamese government against asset freezing and document production order.
Representing Swiss companies in legal assistance and criminal proceedings in connection with alleged corruption scandal in Gambia.

Defense of CEO of Swiss company in tax fraud case in connection with international uranium trading.

Representing damaged parties in major ponzi scheme of asset manager known for his investments in renewable energy investments.

Claudia Götz Staehelin is described as follows: "She's a great technician and has a lot of experience." (Client in Chambers and Partners Europe 2024, White Collar Crime Switzerland)

CHAMBERS EUROPE & CHAMBERS GLOBAL

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Claudia Götz Staehelin is described as follows: "She's extremely helpful in the perspective she can bring." (Client in Chambers and Partners Europe 2024, White Collar Crime Switzerland)

CHAMBERS EUROPE & CHAMBERS GLOBAL

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Claudia Götz Staehelin is described as follows: "She's a tremendous leader, deeply knowledgeable and empathetic." (Client in Chambers and Partners Europe 2024, White Collar Crime Switzerland)

CHAMBERS EUROPE & CHAMBERS GLOBAL

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"Claudia has brilliant insight in complex issues." (Client in Chambers and Partners Europe 2023, White Collar Crime Switzerland)

CHAMBERS EUROPE & CHAMBERS GLOBAL

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"In particular Claudia Götz (…) are strong performers with leadership skills helpful in complex compliance investigations." (Client in Legal 500 2023, Regulatory, Investigations, Compliance)

LEGAL 500

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"Claudia Götz Staehelin is a leading expert in dispute resolution and investigations. What differentiates her from her peers is her willingness to understand the business perspective and tailor her legal services and support level to the specific needs of the client." (Client in Legal 500 2023, Regulatory, Investigations, Compliance)

LEGAL 500

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