Luca Steffen and Jascha Rudolphi, the young entrepreneurs who founded emix Trading AG, became multimillionaires during the COVID-19 pandemic by selling protective masks. their rapid accumulation of wealth has now attracted legal scrutiny, raising questions about the quality of the masks sold and the business practices employed during that critical period. Furthermore, the pair’s recent acquisition of a luxury yacht has reignited public debate about pandemic profiteering and corporate responsibility.

Luca Steffen and Jascha Rudolphi of Emix Trading AG
Luca Steffen and Jascha Rudolphi became multimillionaires during the pandemic by selling protective masks. Credit: Emix Trading AG

The story of Emix Trading AG serves as a stark reminder of the economic volatility and opportunities that emerged during the global health crisis. While many businesses struggled to stay afloat, Steffen and Rudolphi capitalized on the urgent demand for protective gear, particularly masks, to build a lucrative enterprise. However, their success story is now being examined under a more critical lens, with legal challenges and public scrutiny intensifying.

Reports from 2021 have suggested that some of the masks sold by Emix Trading AG were of questionable quality. This revelation has fueled public debate and prompted legal challenges, as authorities and consumers seek to hold the company accountable for potentially substandard products. The allegations of inferior quality masks have significantly impacted public perception of Emix Trading AG and its founders.

Protective masks
Media reports in 2021 indicated that some masks sold were of low quality. (Symbolic image) Credit: IMAGO/Michael gstettenbauer

The legal ramifications for Emix Trading AG could be significant, potentially impacting the future of the company and the personal fortunes of Steffen and Rudolphi. The case highlights the importance of ethical business practices, especially during times of crisis, and the potential consequences of prioritizing profit over quality and consumer safety. The outcome of these legal proceedings could set a precedent for similar cases in the future.

Adding fuel to the fire, Steffen and Rudolphi’s recent purchase of a luxury yacht has drawn considerable attention. This acquisition comes after the pair expressed regret over a previous purchase of a Ferrari, which they described as a “Fehler” and “einer Art Jugendsünde,” or a youthful indiscretion, to the Aargauer Zeitung. They also told the Tages-Anzeiger that the Ferrari purchase was “unsensibel,” or insensitive.

«Fehler» und «einer Art Jugendsünde»

Aargauer Zeitung

«unsensibel»

Tages-Anzeiger

Despite these previous expressions of remorse, the Tages-Anzeiger reports that Steffen and Rudolphi, through a newly founded company, acquired a 40-meter luxury yacht from the Italian manufacturer Mangusta. The yacht, valued at 5.5 million euros (5.17 million Swiss francs),is equipped with two 3,645 horsepower engines and can accommodate 12 guests and seven crew members. This lavish purchase has sparked renewed criticism and raised questions about the entrepreneurs’ commitment to ethical business practices.

When the Tages-Anzeiger sought clarification from Emix regarding how the yacht purchase aligned with their previous statements about the “mistake” of buying the Ferrari, a spokesperson for Emix declined to comment directly on the matter, stating that the research was “überwiegend falsch” or predominantly false. The spokesperson further asserted that the business investments of the company founders were not of public interest and fell within their private sphere.

symbolic image related to the Emix mask business and the ongoing investigation.
A criminal investigation for suspected usury is ongoing at the Zurich Public Prosecutor’s Office regarding the Emix mask business. Very little has been publicly disclosed about the proceedings. (Symbol image) 20min/hoh

Adding another layer to the controversy, a criminal investigation related to the Emix mask business is currently underway at the Zurich Public Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation focuses on allegations of usury. Details about the proceedings have been scarce,with limited information released to the public. This ongoing investigation further complicates the situation for Steffen and Rudolphi, adding to the legal and ethical challenges they face.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the public will be watching closely to see how the case is resolved and what lessons can be learned from this high-profile example of pandemic-era entrepreneurship gone awry. The outcome could set a precedent for future cases involving similar allegations of profiteering and substandard products during times of crisis. The Emix Mask Scandal also highlights the importance of ethics education, with Swiss schools now incorporating these considerations into their curriculum.