Ursula Andress Battles Asset Theft Scandal in Switzerland

By Oke Tope

Published: March 28, 2026 | 11:37 AM GMT

The legendary Ursula Andress, the iconic Bond girl who first captivated audiences in a white bikini in Dr No, is confronting a shocking chapter in real life.

At 90, the actress is embroiled in a major financial scandal, claiming her late asset manager siphoned away her fortune.

Swiss authorities are now investigating, while Italian officials have moved to seize £17 million in assets linked to her missing wealth.

From James Bond to Courtroom Battles

Andress, who played Honey Ryder opposite Sean Connery in 1962, says she was “deliberately targeted” by her former manager, Eric Freymond.

Over eight years, she alleges, Freymond cultivated her trust and then misappropriated her savings.

The star revealed to Swiss publication Blick that she feels exploited, adding, “This feeling of helplessness is unbearable – it’s killing me.”

Tracing the Fortune Across Tuscany

Investigators followed the money trail to Florence, Italy, and uncovered a network of assets, including properties, vineyards, and olive groves, believed to have been purchased using Andress’s funds.

Some artworks bought with her money appear registered to Freymond’s wife, Caroline, though she is not accused of wrongdoing.

Andress described her devastation: “I hoped to spend my final years happily and peacefully.

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And now this happens. I’ve been disgustingly cheated.”

A Tale of Lost Trust and High-Profile Victims

Andress is not alone in accusing Freymond of financial wrongdoing.

Nicolas Puech, heir to the Hermès luxury fashion empire, claims Freymond caused him billions by selling off his stake in the family business.

Yet justice in the traditional sense may never come: Freymond, 67, died last July after being hit by a train in Saanen, Switzerland.

Authorities are treating his death as a suicide.

Impact and Consequences

The fallout of this scandal is profound. Andress’s decades of savings, meant to secure her twilight years, have been seriously depleted.

The seizure of assets in Italy signals a hardline approach by authorities, aiming to recover misappropriated funds.

This case also serves as a cautionary tale about trusting financial advisors without constant oversight, especially for aging celebrities managing large estates.

What’s Next?

Swiss and Italian judicial authorities are continuing to investigate the full extent of the alleged fraud.

The Vaud cantonal court in Switzerland is assessing both criminal and civil liability in the case.

Meanwhile, Andress’s management team has emphasized that the proceedings are ongoing, and the actress is refraining from public comments.

Summary

Ursula Andress, famed for her Bond debut and six-decade career in cinema, has become the victim of a sophisticated financial scam.

Her former asset manager allegedly misappropriated millions, leaving investigators to unravel complex investments in Switzerland and Italy.

With the main perpetrator deceased, the road to restitution is complicated, but authorities are moving to reclaim her wealth.

Bulleted Takeaways

Ursula Andress, 90, claims her late asset manager misappropriated her fortune.
Italian authorities have seized £17 million in assets linked to the mismanaged funds.
Eric Freymond, accused of orchestrating the scheme, died in July 2025 in Switzerland.
Other high-profile victims, including Hermès heir Nicolas Puech, claim financial losses due to Freymond.
The case highlights risks for elderly celebrities and wealthy individuals relying on financial advisors.
Swiss and Italian authorities continue investigating criminal and civil liability.
Despite the scandal, Andress remains a celebrated figure with a career spanning over six decades.

About Oke Tope

Temitope Oke is an experienced copywriter and editor. With a deep understanding of the Nigerian market and global trends, he crafts compelling, persuasive, and engaging content tailored to various audiences. His expertise spans digital marketing, content creation, SEO, and brand messaging. He works with diverse clients, helping them communicate effectively through clear, concise, and impactful language. Passionate about storytelling, he combines creativity with strategic thinking to deliver results that resonate.