Investigations into maladministration in Biel/Bienne city administration
Published: Thursday, Jan 18th 2024, 15:50
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Sex or money in exchange for ID cards: abuses have come to light in Biel's city administration. Reports and investigations are underway. The Directorate for Social Affairs and Security is affected.
Its head, the independent municipal councillor Natasha Pittet, now has to sweep out with a big broom. Major problems first came to light when the city announced last summer that the migration department was severely overloaded and suffering from a lack of staff.
A case of embezzlement came to light in the course of investigations. The employee was dismissed without notice, as the city announced on Thursday. He has confessed and repaid the money.
The city made a further complaint and a report for passive bribery in two cases. On one occasion, an employee is said to have demanded money for the rapid issue of an ID card. On another occasion, an employee demanded sexual services in return.
In addition to the migration department, the local police force is also affected. The presumption of innocence applies until the legal conclusion of the proceedings.
An official investigation should also clarify whether further misconduct has occurred and how such abuses could have come about. The city government recently approved a loan of over CHF 200,000 for external support and monitoring. The first reports and measures are expected in the summer.
Pittet has been a member of the city government since last April. She took over the Directorate of Social Affairs and Security from Beat Feurer (SVP), who moved to the Directorate of Finance.
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