Russian Diplomat Linked to Arms and Lab Equipment Procurement Case in Switzerland

A Russian diplomat, identified as Igor Skryabin, has been implicated in a case involving the procurement of precision ammunition and laboratory equipment in Switzerland.

Skryabin initially entered Switzerland as a member of the administrative and technical staff, officially registered under this designation with the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (EDA). However, subsequent investigations revealed that he is affiliated with the Russian military intelligence agency (GRU). This prompted the Swiss Federal Intelligence Service (NDB) to monitor his activities closely.

Covert operations in Bern and Basel

Skryabin began working at the Russian trade representation in Bern, strategically distanced from more prominent locations like the Russian mission to the United Nations in Geneva. According to reports from the Tages-Anzeiger, he frequently engaged in clandestine meetings with local arms dealers. These meetings allegedly took place in discreet locations, such as the parking garage of a shopping center, where he acquired sniper ammunition suitable for covert operations.

The investigations revealed that Skryabin was also making purchases beyond Bern. Due to limited surveillance resources, the NDB enlisted the assistance of the police from the greater Basel area to track his movements, which often extended into the northwestern region of Switzerland.

Laboratory equipment acquisition

In collaboration with local police, the NDB uncovered that Skryabin was meeting regularly with a seller of laboratory equipment. These meetings did not occur at the seller’s business, which specializes in chemical apparatus not permitted for export to Russia or other conflict zones. Instead, they took place in inconspicuous settings, such as parking garages.

Authorities observed transactions in which Skryabin received boxes from the seller, providing cash in return. Although these encounters were documented, the exact nature of the goods exchanged remained unclear. However, suspicions grew as it became apparent that the laboratory equipment might have applications in the production of chemical weapons.

Law enforcement actions

In response to these findings, the NDB referred the matter to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office, which initiated two separate investigations: one concerning the ammunition in Bern and the other regarding the laboratory equipment in the Basel region.

By late spring 2024, law enforcement agencies conducted raids across multiple cantons, targeting the homes and businesses of the involved parties. Investigators discovered documentation related to the sale of a cooling device and a centrifuge—items capable of being utilized in chemical or biological weapon production.

Skryabin reportedly transported the procured goods back to the Russian trade representation in Bern. Due to the legal protections surrounding diplomatic premises, Swiss authorities were unable to search these locations, leaving the current whereabouts of the acquired materials and ammunition unknown.

Following a request from the Swiss Foreign Department for Russia to withdraw Skryabin, he left Bern and returned to Moscow. Although he was not declared persona non grata in Switzerland, the Federal Prosecutor’s Office was authorized by the Federal Council to continue its investigations.