A report by Swiss newspaper SonntagsZeitung has stated that initial findings from an ongoing investigation into the conduct of Klaus Schwab, founder and long-time head of the World Economic Forum (WEF), suggest that he may have manipulated key economic rankings and submitted unjustified expense claims.
Citing excerpts from the probe led by Zurich-based law firm Homburger, the report claims Schwab intervened repeatedly in the WEF’s influential Global Competitiveness Report, allegedly adjusting country rankings for political considerations.
The investigation follows Schwab’s abrupt resignation in April 2025 amid swirling allegations of financial misconduct.
One of the most striking allegations involves a 2017 email in which Schwab reportedly instructed then-WEF managing director Richard Samans to delay the release of that year’s Competitiveness Report.
The reason, according to the report, was to avoid straining ties with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after India ranked poorly in the index.
Beyond the report manipulation claims, the investigation has flagged roughly 900,000 Swiss francs ($1.12 million) in expense submissions from Schwab and his wife, Hilde.
According to SonntagsZeitung, many of these expenses lacked clear connections to WEF activities, raising fresh questions about financial governance under Schwab’s leadership.
The WEF declined to comment when contacted by Bloomberg, stating that it will issue a response once the investigation is completed, likely by the end of August. Schwab’s personal spokesperson also declined to comment.