Liechtenstein Cracks Down on White Collar Crime: Assets Seized and Evidence Obtained in Record Numbers

A New Era of Enforcement

In an effort to combat white collar crime, Liechtenstein’s authorities have been taking drastic measures to seize assets and obtain evidence against suspects. According to recent data, the number of asset seizures has risen sharply over the past year, with bank accounts frozen in many high-profile cases.

Rising Asset Seizures

• Bank accounts frozen in many high-profile cases
• Significant increase in asset seizures due to new procedures
• Suspects now unable to access their funds

Enhanced Investigation Procedures

The government has implemented new procedures to speed up the process of obtaining evidence, making it easier for investigators to crack down on financial crimes. This includes:

Section 97a of Liechtenstein’s STPO

• Courts can order the seizure and administration of movable assets
• Prohibition of disposal of such assets

Evidence Obtained through House Searches and Seizure of Documents

In cases of bank fraud, investigators can now seize bank documents, despite Liechtenstein’s robust banking secrecy laws. However, not all evidence is easily accessible:

Protected by Law

• Certain legally privileged documents remain protected
• Correspondence between a lawyer and an accused party cannot be seized

Impact on White Collar Crime in Liechtenstein

Experts say that the new measures are having a significant impact on white collar crime in Liechtenstein, with many suspects now facing increased pressure to cooperate with authorities.

A Lasting Impact?

As the principality continues to crack down on white collar crime, it remains to be seen whether these new measures will have a lasting impact on the country’s reputation as a hub for financial wrongdoing.