When the state becomes an accomplice
A plot of land, a bargain price, a state affair and today the duo behind it are sitting before the criminal court in Zug. Nine trial days have been scheduled. The verdict is expected in June.
Two houses, around 5000 square meters, directly on the shores of Lake Aegeri in the canton of Zug. Wüest Partner estimated the value at CHF 27 million. The property was sold in 2017 for CHF 16 million, around CHF 3300 per square meter. At the same time, comparable properties changed hands for between 6,000 and 13,500 francs.
A bargain or a crooked deal
The owner had made provisions. Her property was part of a holding structure. 45 percent to each child, 10 percent to the granddaughter. But the brother acted behind his sister’s back. The sale was sealed in less than 100 days, without a public tender, without a bidding process, without the sister’s consent. She found out about it a month after the contract was signed and immediately filed a criminal complaint.
When 9 million finds no explanation
The buyer paid 16 million and received an unsecured loan of up to 25 million from Zuger Kantonalbank, a difference of 9 million. Internally, the bank valued the property significantly higher than the purchase price would suggest.
Today, the buyer is in the dock for money laundering. He is said to have known that the sale was based on serious injustice.
When a commission remains silent
The case grew beyond the courtroom. In the summer of 2025, the Zug Cantonal Council set up a PUK to investigate the role of the cantonal government. The focus was on faulty land register inspections. The notary responsible pushed the matter forward without any legal grounds for recusal and evaded the crucial questions during questioning.
When justice takes time
Nine days of hearings until the end of March. Presided over by Judge Svea Anlauf. A verdict in June at the earliest. The presumption of innocence applies to all defendants.
Lake Aegeri glistens. What comes to light in the courtroom during these weeks could keep the canton of Zug busy for a long time to come.