Kaspersky case: inquiry finds no new signs of espionage

An independent administrative inquiry has concluded that the case involving the collaboration between the Federal Intelligence Service (FIS) and the Russian company Kaspersky has been adequately clarified. The Confederation announced this on Monday.

In June 2025 it had emerged that the FIS's Cyber team allegedly shared classified information with Kaspersky, and that this data allegedly reached Russian intelligence services. The independent inquiry, however, found “no new substantive elements nor any credible indication” of political espionage activity, nor any evidence that data had been deleted “on a large scale”. Some “uncertainties” nonetheless remain about the previous collaboration between the Cyber unit and Kaspersky.

According to the Federal Department of Defence, Civil Protection and Sport (DDPS), the recommendations made following previous inquiries have been substantially implemented, thanks to the reorganisation of the FIS's Cyber sector.

To clarify the facts, Federal Councillor Martin Pfister, head of the DDPS, had ordered a further administrative inquiry, carried out by the law firm Lenz & Staehelin. Pfister had invited FIS staff to come forward via a confidential mailbox accessible only to the external management in charge of the inquiry. Several staff members responded and were interviewed.

Reporting misconduct

The interviews overall paint a picture of FIS staff who largely identify with their work and are strongly committed to the country's interests. The inquiry nonetheless confirms certain shortcomings in the FIS's culture of trust, partly linked to past reorganisations and still felt today. Significant improvements have however been recorded, including a new regulation governing the reporting of suspected misconduct or security-relevant irregularities. The FIS has committed to encouraging staff to make such reports.

The FIS's transformation is still under way and is expected to be completed by the end of this year. The goal is a leaner, more efficient service, with better-defined competencies, processes and structures, and an improved internal culture. In the inquiry's view, a stable organisational and management structure is needed over the long term. It therefore recommends completing the transformation and evaluating the organisation no sooner than one year from now, taking into account staff experience.