Klaus Schwab, founder of the World Economic Forum, says a routine security inspection found a covert listening device in his home office in Geneva, Bloomberg reports. The 88-year-old has filed a criminal complaint against persons unknown.
The device was reportedly discovered at his private home close to the WEF’s premises. Who planted it, and when, is not known, and the complaint now puts the matter in the hands of Geneva authorities.
The discovery caps a turbulent stretch for Schwab. He resigned as WEF chairman in April 2025 after an anonymous whistleblower letter accused him and his wife of misusing forum resources.
An external investigation by Zurich law firm Homburger later found no evidence of material wrongdoing. Schwab has filed defamation complaints against his anonymous accusers and dismissed the allegations as constructed.
The 💜 of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!The forum is now run day to day by former Norwegian foreign minister Borge Brende, with Peter Brabeck-Letmathe serving as interim chairman while a successor search continues. Schwab remains a totemic, and contested, figure in Davos circles.
