The former head of Elvetino, a catering subsidiary of the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), has been sentenced to three years in prison for his involvement in fraudulent activities.
Along with two accomplices, he engaged in a scheme that included the creation of bogus companies and fraudulent transactions. The court found that he awarded lucrative consultancy contracts to his co-defendants and received kickbacks in return. He also sold inexpensive Chinese products to Elvetino at inflated prices through his own shell companies.
As a result of this scandal, SBB has implemented stricter controls to prevent similar misconduct in the future.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk has reportedly maintained regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin since late 2022. Their discussions have covered various topics, including geopolitical issues, business interests, and personal matters.
It has been reported that Putin requested Musk not to activate his Starlink satellite network in Taiwan, highlighting the complex relationship between technology and international relations. This revelation contradicts Musk's previous denials of any contact with the Russian leader, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.
Swiss skiing star Lara Gut-Behrami has ended her 12-year partnership with her long-time head sponsor, Camille Bloch. The chocolate manufacturer announced that they could not reach an agreement, leading to the termination of their collaboration.
Gut-Behrami, known for her unique Ragusa caps during competitions, expressed gratitude for the years spent together but now faces the challenge of finding a new sponsor. Losing this sponsorship is expected to have significant financial implications for her, as the helmet space represents a crucial marketing opportunity for professional athletes in skiing.
The Kurdish Workers' Party (PKK), a banned group in Turkey, has claimed responsibility for an attack in Ankara that resulted in the deaths of five individuals. The assault targeted an arms company, Tusas, which the PKK considered a "military target" due to its production of weapons that have reportedly harmed civilians in Kurdistan.
The attack, carried out by an autonomous team known as the "Immortality Battalion," resulted in four employee deaths and 22 injuries. The PKK has been in conflict with the Turkish state since the 1980s and is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkey, the European Union, and the United States.
Recent reports suggest that Russia has been providing satellite data to the Yemeni Huthi rebels, assisting their military operations in the Red Sea. This support is facilitated through Iranian intermediaries, enabling the Huthi to effectively target ships with missiles and drones.
The Huthi, who control significant portions of Yemen, are aligned with Iran against Israel and have been involved in numerous attacks on maritime vessels in the region. This development highlights the complex web of international relations and military support shaping the ongoing conflict in Yemen.
Looking ahead to the weekend, the Social Democratic Party (SP) will hold its party conference at the Congress Center in Davos. The conference will feature prominent party figures, including Federal Councillors Beat Jans and Elisabeth Baume-Schneider. This event is expected to address key political issues and set the party's agenda for the future.
Additionally, the Ski World Cup is set to begin, with the women's giant slalom taking place in Sölden on Saturday, followed by the men's race on Sunday. This marks the start of an eagerly anticipated season for athletes and fans in the skiing world.