Swiss probe links embassy deaths in Iran to suspected espionage

Questions of espionage are resurfacing after a Swiss public investigation cast renewed doubt over a string of unexplained deaths involving Swiss citizens in Iran.

The cases, which span the past four years, include the mysterious death of a tourist, an attack on an embassy employee, and the apparent suicide of a high-ranking diplomat. All have raised suspicions about covert operations and potential Iranian state involvement.

According to Swiss broadcaster SRF, which is conducting a joint investigation with radio RTS, insiders believe Tehran views the Swiss embassy as a hub for American intelligence activity.

A former officer in Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) told SRF that "in Iran, they believe some embassy staff are working for the CIA".

One of the most prominent cases is that of Sylvie Brunner, the Swiss deputy ambassador to Tehran, who fell to her death from the 17th floor of her residence in 2021. While Iranian officials ruled it a suicide, the former IRGC officer claimed it was "an espionage mission that went wrong".

Despite Iranian emergency responders reportedly finding no clear evidence of suicidal intent, authorities have refused to share the full investigative file with Bern. Brunner’s organs were also removed before her body was repatriated to Switzerland.

Brunner's brother, Vincent, told the press he has always believed she was murdered, pointing to suspicious boot prints found in her apartment shortly before her death. Her family is now considering civil legal action after Switzerland's Office of the Attorney-General closed its criminal probe, citing a lack of evidence.

More suspicious deaths

Two years later, a Swiss attaché died after collapsing in a Tehran hotel. He returned home but died several months later.

SRF reports that he had been on a sensitive mission and was likely compromised. Iran has claimed the cause of death was natural.

Then, in January this year, Iranian state media reported that a Swiss tourist hanged himself in prison after being arrested on suspicion of spying. Autopsy results have yet to be made public.

Switzerland’s foreign ministry told SRF that it is working toward "full clarity" on the cases, but acknowledged that it has no legal authority to conduct investigations inside Iran.

The mounting cases have also reportedly drawn the attention of other states. According to the report, Russia, China, and North Korea have stepped up their intelligence activity targeting Switzerland in recent months.