Foreign nationals make up most suspects as Swiss violence rises

Violent crime in Switzerland rose sharply in 2025, even as the total number of offences fell slightly, according to crime statistics cited by Apollo News.

Overall crime declined by 1.5 per cent to around 555,000 cases. However, serious violent offences increased by more than eight per cent. The number of murders and attempted murders also rose, with many incidents occurring in domestic settings.

Foreign nationals accounted for nearly 58 per cent of offences, while just over 42 per cent of suspects were Swiss citizens. Those recorded included resident foreigners, individuals without asylum status and asylum seekers.

The data also point to a shift in age patterns. The number of juvenile offenders fell, while cases involving adults over 25 increased. Men continue to make up the majority of suspects.

Regionally, Zurich recorded the highest overall crime levels, while Basel saw the most incidents of violent crime.

(pir)