02.05.2026 20:56
An automation technician living in Switzerland noticed a legal loophole where land without an owner or rejected by heirs can be transferred for free, and after taking over 117,000 square meters of land, declared himself 'king.' After holding a private coronation ceremony, the technician also charges fees from those using roads registered in his name.
Jonas Lauwiner, an industrial automation technician in Switzerland, turned an unusual loophole in the legal system into profit.
148 LAND PARCELS ACQUIRED IN 10 YEARS
According to the country's laws; land parcels with no apparent owner or rejected by heirs can be transferred free of charge to individuals who submit a written application to local councils. Noticing this rule, Lauwiner acquired 148 land parcels through meticulous work over 10 years.
The figures Lauwiner ultimately achieved were staggering. The young technician obtained title deeds for a total area of 117,000 square meters, owning about a quarter of the Vatican's size. However, the real crisis stems from the nature of these lands.
FIRST, HE CHARGED THE PUBLIC A PASSAGE FEE
83 of the 148 land parcels he acquired consisted of actively used roads, bringing back a 'feudal' era on Swiss streets. Lauwiner began demanding 'maintenance fees' from neighborhood residents using the roads registered in his name. Not stopping there, he created a substantial income stream by selling 'rights of way' at high prices to companies wishing to construct near his land.
THEN HE DECLARED HIMSELF KING
Later, Lauwiner officially declared himself 'King of Switzerland' and did not hesitate to turn this into a show. The 36-year-old Lauwiner organized a special coronation ceremony for himself and used photos of himself in military uniforms on his website. Lauwiner also placed an old tank he purchased in front of his house, which he described as his 'palace'.
"I DID IT WITHOUT SHEDDING BLOOD"
Despite public anger and lawsuits, the court ruled that the procedures were legal and dismissed the case. Following his legal victory, Lauwiner made confident statements, summarizing the process with the words, 'I did it like a digital military operation without shedding blood.'
THE CAPITAL AND CANTONS TOOK ACTION
Although Lauwiner claims he did not break any laws and merely analyzed data well, this incident shook things up in Switzerland. Many cantonal administrations, especially Bern, have pressed the button on new legal regulations requiring that ownerless lands be primarily transferred to the public.