“In order to pre-empt any misuse of state funds, the cabinet today decided to block all assets in Switzerland belonging to Moammar Gaddafi and his entourage with immediate effect,” a ministry statement said.
“The sale of the property of these persons – in particular real estate - or disposing of it in any way is forbidden as of now.”
The freezing order is valid for three years, the statement said.
Estimations
It is unclear how much money might be involved. During the diplomatic row between Switzerland and Libya which broke out in 2008 over the arrest of one of Gaddafi’s sons in Geneva, billions of francs worth of Libyan deposits were withdrawn from Swiss banks as part of Libyan retaliation.
The Swiss National Bank says that only about SFr 630 million ($680 million) are left from holdings of SFr5.7 billion.
However, it is also unclear what proportion of this might belong to Gaddafi and his entourage.
The list contains 28 names in addition to Gaddafi himself. They include his wife, sons and daughters. Also on the list are other relatives and heads of various national companies.
