Certificate Programme in Economic Criminal Law
The fight against economic crime is gaining momentum, and awareness of criminal law risks is more necessary than ever. Against this background, the Certificate Programme in Economic Criminal Law offers comprehensive, practice-oriented professional education, providing decisive advantages for daily practice, particularly for professionals and employees from the financial services sector as well as public authorities.
Module Overview
The Certificate Programme in Economic Criminal Law provides in three modules comprehensive knowledge of Liechtenstein, European, and international criminal law, including property offences, corruption offences, due diligence obligations, administrative criminal law, and money laundering.
Module 1 – Fundamentals of Economic Criminal Law
This introductory module covers the basic principles of economic philosophy as well as the theoretical foundations of criminal law, economic criminal law, and, in addition, administrative criminal law. Students gain insight in particular into the Liechtenstein Criminal Code, theories of punishment, and the societal role of criminal law, and learn the principles of criminal liability as well as the requirements for criminal conduct. The module conveys the fundamental categories of criminal law, such as action and omission, causality, intent and negligence, attempt and participation, sentencing, active repentance, and limitation periods. The knowledge acquired is deepened through case studies.
Students acquire the necessary knowledge to follow the subsequent modules of the programme. They are familiar with the theoretical foundations of criminal law as well as its basic terminology and have gained basic knowledge in economic philosophy.
Module 2 – Economic Criminal Offences in the Criminal Code (StGB)
In this second module, students acquire in-depth knowledge of the Liechtenstein Criminal Code. The focus is on economic criminal offences, in particular property offences such as fraud, breach of trust, and embezzlement; document-related offences; insolvency offences; and corruption offences, such as bribery and acceptance of bribes, prohibited intervention, or acceptance and granting of advantages. These offence categories are examined in detail and explained comprehensively. The knowledge acquired is consolidated through the analysis of practice-oriented case studies, enabling a deeper understanding of the application of legal provisions. The module concludes with a comparative law section in which selected countries and their specific criminal provisions are examined.
Students gain comprehensive expertise regarding key economic criminal offences covered by the Criminal Code. They are able to identify criminally relevant facts, analyse pertinent issues, develop corresponding solutions, and apply them in practice.
Module 3 – Money Laundering and Supranational Criminal Law
In this third module, at both the national and supranational levels, the subject matter concerning the central concept of money laundering in a broad sense is addressed. First, the fundamentals of the Liechtenstein Due Diligence Act (SPG) are taught, which aims to combat money laundering, organised crime, and the financing of terrorism within the meaning of the Criminal Code. This is followed by a review of the relevant criminal provisions.
Given the cross-border nature of these criminal phenomena, the module explains Liechtenstein’s criminal jurisdiction, which governs cases with foreign elements, and presents the basics as well as the most important institutions of European, EEA, and international criminal law. The module concludes with an introduction to legal research.
Students acquire expertise on professional due diligence obligations for combating money laundering, organised crime, and terrorist financing. They are able to recognise these criminal phenomena, identify cases with a foreign element, and develop appropriate solutions. In addition, they become familiar with the fundamental concepts of EU, EEA, and international criminal law.
LL.M. and Certificate Programme Economic Criminal Law (in German)
LL.M. Economic Criminal Law - Statements by Alumni
Programme Overview: Information, Structure, and FAQ
Apply by 31 August 2027
Deepen your expertise with the Certificate Programme in Economic Criminal Law and qualify for demanding leadership positions. Take this opportunity to elevate your career to the next level – practical, flexible, and first-class!
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Legal Basis and Regulations
The General Terms and Conditions (GTC), regulations, and other guidelines for professional education degree programmes are available for download in the “Guidelines and Downloads” section of the university website.
