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Invitation: Inaugural Lecture by Professor Cathrine Konopatsch on Identity Misuse

On Monday, 15 December 2025, Cathrine Konopatsch, Professor of Criminal Law at UniDistance Suisse, will deliver her inaugural lecture on the theme of identity misuse.

Title: “Eine unverhältnismässige strafrechtliche Reaktion? – Kritische Analyse des Straftatbestands des Identitätsmissbrauchs (Art. 179decies StGB)” 
Where: Aula, Brig Campus, or online 
When: 17:15–18:45 
Language: German 

A Critical Analysis of Art. 179decies of the Penal Code in Light of New Forms of Identity Theft

The scope of application of Article 179decies of the Swiss Criminal Code is broad. Examples include deepfake videos, ordering goods under a false name, posting comments on social media under an invented identity, so-called romance scams, and the “grandchild scam”. With around 7,200 cases recorded by the police in Switzerland in 2024—70% of them in the digital sphere—and 87 convictions, the offence of identity misuse already plays a significant practical role and requires substantial resources. 

In her inaugural lecture, Professor Cathrine Konopatsch will critically examine the offence of identity misuse and its practical application from the perspectives of criminal policy, the rule of law, and criminal law theory, drawing on real-world case examples. 

Participation and Registration

The event is open to the public; however, registration is mandatory. Students, staff, and all interested individuals are warmly invited to attend, either online or on site.

Register