Expertise in Criminal Law
LENLAW is a law firm in Bern specializing in criminal law. We defend accused individuals and companies, represent victims and other aggrieved parties, and advise governments and government institutions in criminal and mutual legal assistance proceedings involving Switzerland.
Our practice focuses on white-collar crime, international mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, and administrative criminal law.
Representation
Criminal Defense
We defend accused individuals and companies from the initial interrogation through coercive measures and pretrial detention all the way through trial and appellate proceedings.
Geschädigtenvertretung und Privatklägerschaft
We represent companies, governments, and individuals who have suffered harm as a result of criminal offenses, and we assist them in exercising their procedural rights and enforcing their claims.
More on Representing Victims and Bringing a Private Prosecution
Key Areas
White-Collar Crime Law
Defense and representation of victims in cases involving suspected fraud, embezzlement, breach of fiduciary duty, bribery, and issues of corporate criminal liability.
International Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters
Cross-border mutual legal assistance proceedings, particularly with regard to the collection of evidence, the production of bank and business records, and the preservation of assets.
Administrative Criminal Law
Federal Administrative Penal Proceedings—from proceedings and coercive measures to final records, penalty notices, penalty orders, and appeals proceedings.
Asset Recovery
Identification, seizure, confiscation, and repatriation of assets obtained through criminal activity—particularly for aggrieved individuals, companies, and governments.
Money laundering
Money laundering cases involving complex financial and payment flows, account freezes, asset seizures, and international connections.
Corruption
Swiss and international corruption cases, particularly those involving foreign public officials, cross-border investigations, mutual legal assistance, and asset preservation.
Experience
Stefan Lenz served as a federal prosecutor for 14 years and led extensive national and international criminal investigations, particularly into corruption, money laundering, and white-collar crime.
Stefan Mbiyavanga has extensive experience in administrative criminal law and in cases with international dimensions. His academic work focuses in particular on international mutual legal assistance in criminal matters and cross-border white-collar crime.
Publications and Insights
Insights from the Field:
The Swiss Trail Through Lava Jato
This article examines Stefan Lenz’s involvement in the Peruvian Odebrecht investigations, particularly with regard to the analysis of extensive evidence gathered in Switzerland.
Professional Publication: The Forfeiture of Assets in Cases of Corporate Bribery
In the Swiss Journal of Criminal Law, Nadja Capus and Stefan Mbiyavanga examine the Federal Prosecutor’s Office’s asset forfeiture practices in cases of cross-border bribery by companies.
Practical Guide to Cyber Fraud: Possibilities and Limitations of Asset Recovery
What steps should victims take after falling victim to cyber fraud? This article explains immediate actions to take, as well as the legal options and limitations for recovering lost funds.
Contact Person
Our attorneys have many years of experience in criminal prosecution and legal representation. This dual perspective enables us to provide well-informed, realistic, and strategic advice in complex criminal proceedings.
Contact
Do you need legal assistance with a criminal, white-collar crime, or international case? We’ll review your situation and discuss with you how we can advise or represent you.