Business · Companies · 6 hrs ago
Ruag inquiry finds serious misconduct and possible export-rule breaches
A new inquiry found serious misconduct at Swiss arms firm Ruag, which is owned by the Swiss government.
A former manager is suspected of selling valuable tank spare parts below market value and leaving lower-quality parts with Ruag, causing major losses.
The inquiry also found evidence of possible crimes, including forged documents, and plans to bypass Swiss weapons-export rules; the planned export deals did not go ahead.
Ruag has filed criminal complaints and is seeking about 51 million euros from ten people.
The defence ministry blocked parts under suspicion and took steps to keep Switzerland’s Leopard 2 tanks operational.
A working group will examine responsibility inside Ruag and the government, with findings due to the Federal Council in two to three months.
The case could further weaken public trust as Switzerland debates arms-export rules and spending more on its military.
An internal inquiry found serious misconduct and indications of criminal acts at the state-owned defence company Ruag.
The report covered alleged fraudulent tank-parts deals, the sharing of sensitive tank drawings, forged documents and possible breaches of export rules.
Ruag said it had filed criminal complaints and civil claims against ten people for about 51 million euros in damages.
Defence Minister Martin Pfister condemned the conduct and said the government would review responsibilities and consider further measures.
A separate finding concerned plans to use a South African company to bypass Swiss neutrality and weapons-export rules, though the planned transactions did not take place.
- Who
- Ruag, Switzerland’s state-owned defence company, and ten people it is suing. Defence Minister Martin Pfister addressed the findings.
- What
- An inquiry found serious misconduct, alleged criminal acts and possible export-rule breaches at Ruag.
- When
- The inquiry findings were published on 30 October 2026.
- Where
- Ruag’s activities in Switzerland and a planned company in South Africa are mentioned.
- Why
- The inquiry examined alleged tank-parts deals and other misconduct; the sources do not state why the alleged acts were carried out.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Ruag announced it was suing ten people for about 51 million euros in damages.
Ruag published the completed internal investigation and Pfister announced a review of responsibilities and possible further measures.
- Damages sought
- About 51 million euros
- People sued
- 10
- Inquiry firm
- Niederer Kraft Frey
- Planned South African company
- Intended for the Wimmis gunpowder factory
- Planned transactions
- Did not take place
6 sources
Millionenbetrug bei der Ruag – Bundesrat Pfister: «Mich schockiert die kriminelle Energie»
Die Akte Ruag: Krumme Deals, Gratis-Teile und der Südafrika-Trick
Ruag-Skandal: Millionenbetrug und dubiose Deals
What people are saying
The incidents are not acceptable and damage the public's trust in the company
I would expect him to transfer the money back to the federal government