Crypto International blames government for imminent demise
A company whose name has been dragged into a spying scandal blames the Swiss government for shedding more than 80 staff. Crypto International says it has been unfairly tainted by its predecessor, Crypto AG, which stands accused of allowing the CIA backdoor access to its encryption devices. Crypto International took over Crypto AG’s brand and many staff in 2018, only for revelations to emerge this year that Crypto AG’s former products were seriously compromised. The ensuing uproar resulted in a government inquiry and a criminal probe by federal prosecutors. Earlier this month, Crypto International said it would have to lay off 83 of its 85 staff. It now looks certain that the company will withdraw from Switzerland altogether. Its Swedish owners, Andreas and Emma Linde, accuse the Swiss government of driving the firm into the ground with its actions. This is because the governing Federal Council refuses to consider awarding the company export licenses whilst it is under criminal...