Falsely Accused in Switzerland: Insights from a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Geneva
July 15, 2025

Expert Legal Help from a Geneva Criminal Lawyer

You probably never expected to be searching for criminal defense lawyer in Geneva .  But here you are.


Whether you're an expatriate, a company director, a public figure, or simply someone caught in the wrong place at the wrong time, facing a criminal accusation in Switzerland can be overwhelming. 


Suddenly, your freedom, your career, your reputation and your future are all at risk.


At Geneva criminal law firm FARLEGAL, we specialize in defending clients - local and international alike - against false accusations in Switzerland.


As an English-speaking criminal defense attorney in Geneva, Shayan Farhad works proactively and tirelessly to protect your rights from day one.


Why Clients Trust FARLEGAL | Criminal Lawyer in Geneva Who Fight for You


Geneva criminal lawyer Shayan Farhad is a dual-qualified attorney in Switzerland and in England. As a former federal prosecutor and former litigator at top-tier US law firms, she knows both sides of the courtroom and how to dismantle a case from the inside.


When your life is on the line, experience matters.


When you’re wrongly accused, the Swiss criminal justice system can feel anything but fair. 


At FARLEGAL, we don’t just defend. We win.  From misdemeanors to serious crimes cases, including a recent high-profile murder trial where our client was fully acquitted , our firm is trusted when the stakes are life-changing.


We have a track record of defending the innocent and making the truth prevail. 


Here’s how we work: 


- The 24-Hour Rule: Why your first 24 hours after police contact are critical.


- How We Fight False Accusations in Switzerland: Strategic defense, discreet investigations, and relentless advocacy.


- Why Innocence is Not Enough: Understanding Swiss criminal procedure—and why silence and legal counsel are your best defense.


Facing Wrongful Criminal Charges in Switzerland? Speak to our Geneva Criminal Defense Attorney Today


Whether you've received a police summons, your name appears in an investigation, or you simply suspect that something is coming: do not wait.


Contact Shayan Farhad, founder of FARLEGAL, recognized as one of the leading criminal defense attorneys in Geneva, Switzerland.


Book a consultation | Email us


By Shayan Farhad • September 7, 2026
Global Arbitration Review (GAR) recently reported on two decisions by the Swiss Federal Supreme Court concerning a US$211 billion investment treaty claim against the Commonwealth of Australia . Shayan Farhad acted as legal counsel to the claimant, Singapore-registered holding company Zeph Investments Pte. Ltd. , in the Swiss set-aside and revision proceedings. The Scale of the Dispute Unprecedented Claims: The underlying UNCITRAL arbitration involved a claim valued at US$211 billion (A$300 billion) brought under the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) regarding the Balmoral South iron ore project in Western Australia. Interrelated Multi-Billion Dollar Arbitrations: The challenge forms part of a broader series of four treaty claims seeking over US$290 billion in total damages relating to major energy and mining developments. Prominent Arbitral Tribunal: The underlying Geneva-seated award was issued by a tribunal chaired by Swiss arbitrator Gabrielle Kaufmann-Kohler, together with William Kirtley and Donald McRae. Key Issues Before the Swiss Supreme Court Representing Zeph Investments before Switzerland's highest judicial authority, Shayan Farhad advanced arguments addressing complex questions of public international law and Swiss arbitration civil procedure: Interpretation of Investment Treaties: The Court reviewed the tribunal's interpretation of "covered investment" and "contribution" requirements under the AANZFTA, specifically regarding share swaps, corporate restructurings, and management actions. Procedural Safeguards & Review: The applications raised critical questions concerning arbitrator time commitment, independence and impartiality standards, and procedural rights under Swiss arbitration law. While the Swiss Federal Supreme Court ultimately dismissed the set-aside and revision applications and upheld the jurisdictional award, the litigation represents one of the largest and most complex investment treaty disputes ever brought before the Swiss courts. Demonstrating High-Stakes Cross-Border Expertise Handling challenges of this magnitude before the highest judicial authority in Switzerland highlights Shayan Farhad and FARLEGAL's core mission: providing boutique, high-caliber legal representation in complex, ultra-high-stakes international disputes. The full articles can be accessed on the Global Arbitration Review (GAR) platform: Mining magnate fails to revive mega-claim against Australia More light on mining investor’s failure to revive mega-claim - Global Arbitration Review
April 7, 2026
À l'occasion de la condamnation par défaut de Tariq Ramadan par la justice française, Le Matin Dimanche a sollicité Me Shayan Farhad en qualité d'experte en entraide internationale en matière pénale pour analyser les instruments juridiques applicables.