Key legal question
Whether the seizure of the remaining retainer balances was supported by sufficient suspicion and could cover third-party funds held by defense counsel.
Extracted holding
The court held that there was sufficient suspicion of fraud and that the unconsumed retainer balances could be seized as assets likely subject to confiscation, including in the hands of the lawyers.
Extracted reasoning
The alleged criminal conduct and the use of client funds for private purposes made the assets appear of illicit origin. Under the applicable law, seizure may extend to assets that are likely confiscable, and the court found no Bundesrecht violation.