Executive Summary
The Federal Prosecutor's Office is terminating its IT project "Core Link" after already investing 15 million francs. The project was intended to modernize the case management system and replace the outdated Juris software. The supervisory authority for the Federal Prosecutor's Office (AB-BA) has documented the termination. A new tender for a successor system has already been initiated.
People
- Philipp Anz (Author)
Topics
- E-Government
- IT Procurement
- Justice
- Business Software
Clarus Lead
The termination signals deeper governance problems within the federal administration: The AB-BA intervenes when "need for action is identified," thus indicating systematic deficits. The cancellation after already six-figure investment demonstrates that central government agencies struggle to manage large IT projects. This increases pressure on other cantons and federal offices to review their digital strategies and procurement processes.
Detailed Summary
The Federal Prosecutor's Office had launched an ambitious initiative with "Core Link": the replacement of the Juris case management system, an outdated software solution in the judiciary sector. After investments totaling 15 million francs, the project is being discontinued.
The supervisory authority AB-BA, which functions as a control body, addressed reorganizations, IT projects, and governance issues of the Federal Prosecutor's Office in the reporting year. Its role is to accompany central developments and intervene when reform needs are identified. The termination of "Core Link" falls within this intervention framework and points to coordination or technical problems that caused the project to fail.
The new tender for a successor system has already been launched. This means the Federal Prosecutor's Office faces a second attempt – under increased pressure and with lessons learned from the discontinued predecessor.
Key Messages
- 15 million francs were invested in the failed project
- The Federal Prosecutor's Office's IT governance is under supervision with active intervention
- New tender for successor system has been initiated
- Juris replacement remains a strategic goal, but under new conditions
Further News
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- Zurich/Data Protection: Data Protection Officer reviews cloud and AI projects of government agencies
- Security: National Council approves expanded competencies for intelligence service; criticism from the left regarding fundamental rights erosion
Critical Questions
Evidence/Data Quality: What specific technical or organizational reasons led to the termination? Is there a formal final report?
Conflicts of Interest: Who were the involved contractors/software vendors? Are there financial consequences for them due to the termination?
Causality/Alternatives: Was "Core Link" unrealizable from the outset, or did delays emerge only during implementation? Would a scope adjustment have helped?
Feasibility/Risks: How will it be ensured that the new tender does not fail again? What governance changes have been initiated?
Costs/Side Effects: How much longer must the Federal Prosecutor's Office work with Juris? What are the operational costs of the delayed system transition?
Transparency: Was the public/parliament systematically informed about problems, or did the termination come as a surprise?
Source Directory
Primary Source: 15 million spent: Federal Prosecutor's Office terminates IT project – inside-it.ch, June 5, 2026 https://www.inside-it.ch/15-millionen-ausgegeben-bundesanwaltschaft-sistiert-it-projekt-20260605
Verification Status: ✓ June 5, 2026
This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial Responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: June 5, 2026