Switzerland and France open an investigation into the agency that smeared the reputations of thousands of prominent Muslims across Europe – U.P

Justice in Switzerland and France have opened an official investigation into the Swiss intelligence agency Alp Services, which made headlines last year for being responsible for a smear campaign against Muslims across Europe. This Norwegian Refugee Council report. The agency is now suspected of espionage and illegal activities for a foreign country.

Last summer, the Norwegian Refugee Council revealed that Dutch politicians Kaoutar Bouchalakht (GroenLinks), Ahmed Markouch (PvdA, Mayor of Arnhem) and Noureddine El Wali (NIDA), among others, had been wrongly accused of having ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. This was done with the help of fake online profiles and tips from journalist friends who then wrote articles condemning them. In the Netherlands, the right-wing newspaper Elsevier Weekblad, among others, has eagerly joined forces with Alp Services, which in turn has been appointed by the United Arab Emirates.

A Swiss ruling published on Monday shows that a Swiss prosecutor opened a criminal investigation into Alp Services and its 77-year-old director Mario Brero in December. According to reports at the Norwegian Refugee Council, suspicions revolve around espionage, illegal activities on behalf of a foreign country, and money laundering. Several victims have filed charges against Alp Services. Among them is Belgian Climate Minister Zakia Al-Khattabi, according to De Standaard.

In France, the Paris Public Prosecutor's Office opened a preliminary investigation into Alpe, based on a complaint filed by the well-known French anti-racist and feminist writer, director, and activist, Rokia Diallo. You have made a complaint about the unlawful collection, processing and disclosure of personal data.