Will cash soon be an end in kebab shops and hair salons?

Will kebab shops, hair salons, and shisha bars soon be forced to refuse cash? This is, in any case, one avenue being considered by National Councilor Martin Candinas (C/GR). Faced with rising suspicions of money laundering in Switzerland, the parliamentarian is calling for targeted measures against "mafia-like structures" that exploit certain types of businesses to launder their illegal profits.

According to the Money Laundering Reporting Office (MROS), suspicious transaction reports jumped 27.5% in 2024. The establishments targeted include nail salons, pizza deliveries, tea rooms, barbershops, and takeaways. Martin Candinas asked the Federal Council: would it be "wise" to temporarily ban cash payments in these sectors?

The Federal Council, for its part, is dragging its feet. Such a ban on cash payments, even if limited to certain areas, would pose serious legal problems, particularly regarding proportionality and economic freedom. There would also be a high risk of circumvention, the Federal Council warns.

The National Councilor acknowledges that legitimate businesses could incur additional costs, but "it would be in their long-term interest." He also suggests involving banks more in monitoring the origin of cash deposits from sensitive sectors. In the meantime, the Federal Council is focusing on a national strategy to combat organized crime, expected by the end of 2025. Money laundering will be a priority.