Liechtenstein: Hackers steal sensitive data from anti-money laundering registry

Liechtenstein's government has announced that hackers illicitly accessed a sensitive digital registry containing information on the beneficial owners of approximately 31,000 companies and organizations. The breach occurred on the night of July 30, according to preliminary findings released by the principality's government on Sunday evening.

The compromised digital directory holds names and other identifying details of individuals who ultimately control companies, foundations, or trusts. This data is particularly sensitive as it can reveal the true owners behind significant assets accumulated in Liechtenstein over recent years and decades. The principality has long been perceived as a jurisdiction where wealthy individuals and powerful figures utilize foundations or trust structures to obscure their assets or maintain privacy.

In response to the breach, a crisis team has been convened, led by Government Chief Brigitte Haas and Justice Minister Emanuel Schädler. The government acknowledged that the attack violated the protection of personal data and stated that affected individuals would be informed as quickly as possible. Liechtenstein has undertaken numerous reforms to combat its image as a tax haven, with the financial and banking services sector being one of its most successful economic branches.

The government initiated the now-hacked registry in 2021 with the stated aim of preventing money laundering and terrorism financing. Despite past abuses of foundations and accounts for tax evasion, particularly by Europeans, the principality abolished banking secrecy in tax matters in 2017. Liechtenstein, situated between Switzerland and Austria, is one of the world's wealthiest nations per capita, despite its small size of 160 square kilometers.