Financial Crime World

Liechtenstein’s Performance in the Global Organized Crime Index

Analysis of Strengths and Weaknesses

The 2023 Global Organized Crime Index provides an analysis of Liechtenstein’s performance in various areas related to organized crime. While the index does not provide a final score, it highlights the country’s strengths and weaknesses in different domains.

Key Areas of Focus

Criminal Justice and Security

  • Effective Law Enforcement: Liechtenstein has a robust judicial system and effective law enforcement agencies that cooperate with international intelligence-sharing mechanisms.
  • International Cooperation: The country is part of various international organizations, including Interpol and Europol, which enables it to share intelligence and best practices with other countries.

Economic and Financial Environment

  • Banking Transparency: Liechtenstein has taken steps to increase banking transparency and prevent money laundering. However, the country still faces international pressure to improve its banking secrecy laws.
  • Business Environment: The business environment in Liechtenstein is attractive for legitimate businesses due to low tax rates and ease of establishing new businesses. Unfortunately, this also attracts unwanted interest from criminals.

Civil Society and Social Protection

  • Victim Support: The government has put in place legislation and training mechanisms to provide effective treatment for victims of all types of crime, with a particular emphasis on sex-related crimes.
  • Civil Society Engagement: While civil society groups are not particularly focused on crime prevention due to the lack of organized crime groups in Liechtenstein, they still play an important role in promoting social protection and community development.

Conclusion

The Global Organized Crime Index suggests that Liechtenstein is a country that is taking steps to prevent and combat organized crime. However, it still faces challenges related to its banking secrecy laws and business environment. Addressing these weaknesses will be crucial for the country to effectively combat organized crime and maintain its position as a stable and secure jurisdiction.