Publication Date: 21.11.2025
Author: Gaspard Dhellemmes
Source: Le Monde
Publication Date: November 21, 2025
Summary Reading Time: 3 minutes
Executive Summary
A puzzling million-dollar burglary at Jean-Pierre Latour's residence, Honorary Consul of Seychelles in Switzerland, raises questions about the integrity of diplomatic circles. In October 2021, goods worth one million euros were stolen from his Zurich residence – among the suspects is his own son Boris Latour, a former golden boy whose planned appointment as ambassador to France was blocked by this scandal. The ongoing investigation could permanently damage trust in diplomatic institutions and their selection procedures.
Critical Key Questions
- What control mechanisms are failing when diplomatic posts are awarded without sufficient background checks of family circumstances?
- How can Switzerland as a financial center preserve its reputation as a safe haven for international actors when even diplomatic circles are affected by such scandals?
- What responsibility do the Seychelles bear for the selection and supervision of their diplomatic representatives abroad?
Scenario Analysis: Future Perspectives
Short-term (1 year):
The investigation could lead to clarification of the family conflict and call diplomatic immunity into question. Reputation of involved institutions suffers.
Medium-term (5 years):
Tightening of selection criteria for honorary consuls, enhanced background checks in diplomatic circles. Possible impact on Switzerland's financial center image.
Long-term (10–20 years):
Fundamental reform of the honorary consul system and their privileges. Strengthening transparency in diplomatic appointment procedures.
Main Summary
Core Topic & Context
A spectacular burglary at a Swiss honorary consul's residence turns out to be a possible family conflict with international diplomatic entanglements. The case illustrates the vulnerability of the traditional honorary consul system and raises questions about the integrity of diplomatic institutions.
Most Important Facts & Figures
- Damage amount: 1 million euros stolen in October 2021
- Crime scene: Residence in Zug (30,000 inhabitants), one of Switzerland's safest cantons
- Main suspect: Boris Latour, son of the diplomat and former golden boy
- Victim: Jean-Pierre Latour, 70 years old, three nationalities (Belgian, Swiss, Seychellois)
- Prevented appointment: Boris Latour was to become ambassador to France
- Status: Investigation proceedings ongoing [⚠️ Outcome to be verified]
Stakeholders & Those Affected
Directly affected: Latour family, Seychelles government, Swiss authorities, diplomatic corps in Switzerland. Indirectly affected: Trust in honorary consul system, Switzerland's image as a financial center, international diplomatic relations.
Opportunities & Risks
Opportunities: Modernization of diplomatic selection procedures, strengthening control over honorary consuls, increasing transparency. Risks: Loss of trust in diplomatic institutions, image damage for Switzerland as a secure financial center, destabilization of small-state diplomacy.
Action Relevance
Decision-makers should closely monitor the development of the proceedings and examine preventive measures to strengthen diplomatic integrity. Time pressure exists regarding communication with international partners and the public.
Source Bibliography
Primary Source:
En Suisse, drôle de fric-frac chez le consul des Seychelles – Le Monde
Verification Status: ⚠️ Only article beginning available - Complete fact-checking pending