A left-wing campaign group asked Swiss authorities on Friday to investigate Swiss food and drinks giant Nestle SA for allegedly hiring a spy to infiltrate the group.
A Swiss chapter of anti-globalization group Attac filed the legal complaint in Vaud canton (state), after learning that an employee of Securitas AG security company took part in its private meetings between late 2003 and June 2004, according to the group's lawyer, Jean-Michel Dolivo.
The meetings were part of a research project that culminated in the publication of a book titled "Attac against the Nestle Empire," which criticized the company's position on genetically modified organisms, water privatization and trade unions.
It is now up to Vaud's investigating magistrate to decide whether to prosecute.
Attac's complaint claims that Nestle, Securitas and an unidentified person "obtained documents, information, photographs, photographs and data sets through illegal means," Dolivo said.
Nestle declined to comment directly on the allegations.
In a statement, the world's biggest food and drink company said it worked with Securitas to ensure the safety of its staff and facilities during the G-8 summit of world leaders in June 2003.
"It is evident that these measures were based on the strictest respect for the law," Nestle said.
Securitas could not immediately be reached for comment. The company, based in Zollikofen near Bern, is not connected to the Swedish security company of the same name Securitas AB.
Dolivo said the group has also made a civil complaint to Switzerland's Data Protection Office.
~ Source: International Herald Tribune ~
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