The Swiss Federal Intelligence Service has confirmed that it will finally open previously sealed archives concerning Josef Mengele, the infamous Nazi doctor known for his crimes during the Second World War, particularly at Auschwitz.

The decision marks a significant step in the gradual release of sensitive historical intelligence documents held by Swiss authorities for decades. Officials say the files may contain information related to post-war surveillance, movements, and possible contacts linked to Mengele, who became one of the most wanted Nazi fugitives after 1945.

Mengele, often referred to as the “Angel of Death,” conducted inhumane medical experiments on prisoners in Nazi concentration camps. After the collapse of Nazi Germany, he fled Europe and evaded capture for decades, reportedly living in South America until his death in 1979.

Swiss authorities have not yet disclosed the full contents of the archives but indicated that the release is part of broader efforts to increase transparency regarding historical intelligence operations and Switzerland’s role during and after the Second World War.

Historians and researchers are expected to closely examine the documents, as they may provide new insights into international tracking efforts and intelligence sharing concerning former Nazi officials during the post-war period.

The opening of the files is also likely to reignite public and academic debate about how long intelligence agencies retained sensitive wartime records and the extent of knowledge held by neutral countries during the Cold War era.