Liechtenstein Have Stolen Sensitive Data From a Government Registry Designed to Combat Money Laundering, Exposing Details of Roughly 31,000

The principality's government said late Sunday that unknown perpetrators gained unauthorized access to the digital register of beneficial owners during the night of July 30. The registry, maintained since 2021, lists names and other details of individuals behind firms, foundations, or trusteeships. The stolen information is particularly sensitive because it could potentially reveal who stands behind the large fortunes parked in Liechtenstein over the years. The government has convened a crisis task force led by Prime Minister Brigitte Haas and Justice Minister Emanuel Schädler.

Officials said the attack violated the protection of personal data and that affected individuals would be informed as quickly as possible. A central information point is being set up for those with questions. There are currently no indications that data was altered or deleted.

It remains unclear who is behind the attack or what its purpose might be. The government has pointed to numerous reforms in its fight against its image as a tax haven, noting that banking secrecy in tax matters was lifted in 2017. Liechtenstein, with 41,000 residents and an area of 160 square kilometers, is one of the world's smallest and wealthiest countries per capita.