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Subject Area

Economic Criminal Law

Economic criminal law has become a key field for the legal assessment of entrepreneurial activities, both in national and international contexts. At its core are questions of criminal liability of natural and legal persons: from classic economic crime such as money laundering, corruption, or insolvency offences, to current challenges arising from digitalisation, including cybercrime, the token economy, and artificial intelligence. The integration of cybersecurity and digital resilience expands economic criminal law in an innovative way.

Particular emphasis is placed on criminal compliance, namely the development and implementation of effective internal protection mechanisms to prevent behaviour relevant under criminal law. Our university’s professional education programmes in the field of economic criminal law provide in-depth legal expertise and strengthen awareness of criminal and compliance-related risks in corporate practice – academically sound, practice-oriented, and future-focused.

Programmes

Executive Master of Laws (LL.M.)

LL.M. in Economic Criminal Law

Eine junge Frau sitzt an einem Schreibtisch mit einem Notizbuch und lächelt freundlich in die Kamera. Sie trägt ein gestreiftes Hemd, und im Hintergrund ist eine kreative Büroumgebung zu sehen. Der Schreibtisch ist mit Laptop, Notizen und einer Kaffeetasse bedeckt, während sie einen Stift in der Hand hält, bereit zu schreiben.

Economic Crime — ranging from tax evasion and money laundering to cybercrime and cryptocrime — poses increasing challenges for states and companies. The Executive Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Economic Criminal Law provides in-depth expertise in Liechtenstein, EEA, European, and international economic criminal law, as well as Liechtenstein administrative criminal law and criminal procedure law. The programme combines academic foundations with practical application and qualifies participants for responsible roles in criminal defence, prosecution, criminal compliance, and crime prevention.

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Eine junge Frau sitzt an einem Schreibtisch mit einem Notizbuch und lächelt freundlich in die Kamera. Sie trägt ein gestreiftes Hemd, und im Hintergrund ist eine kreative Büroumgebung zu sehen. Der Schreibtisch ist mit Laptop, Notizen und einer Kaffeetasse bedeckt, während sie einen Stift in der Hand hält, bereit zu schreiben.

Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Economic Criminal Law

Ein junger, selbstbewusster Mann in einem Business-Anzug, der mehrere Bücher trägt, lächelt freundlich in die Kamera. Der Hintergrund zeigt eine ruhige Büroumgebung, die eine produktive und professionelle Atmosphäre vermittelt.

The fight against economic crime is rapidly gaining importance, and awareness of criminal risks is more necessary than ever. Against this background, the Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Economic Criminal Law offers comprehensive and practice-oriented training that provides professionals and staff from the financial services sector as well as authorities with crucial advantages for their daily work.

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Ein junger, selbstbewusster Mann in einem Business-Anzug, der mehrere Bücher trägt, lächelt freundlich in die Kamera. Der Hintergrund zeigt eine ruhige Büroumgebung, die eine produktive und professionelle Atmosphäre vermittelt.
Economic Criminal Law

Intensive Courses

Der Intensivkurs Anti-Money Laundering (AML) vermittelt fundiertes Wissen zu den gesetzlichen Anforderungen und typischen Risikofaktoren im weit gefassten Kontext der Geldwäscherei inkl. Terrorismusfinanzierung (CFT). Dabei werden relevante Inhalte aus dem Wirtschaftsstrafrecht, aktuelle Entwicklungen sowie praktische Massnahmen zur Geldwäschebekämpfung vermittelt. Der Fokus liegt auf der Darstellung strafrechtlicher Risiken im beruflichen Alltag, mit dem Ziel, die Teilnehmenden für die Einhaltung geldwäscherechtlicher und sonstiger einschlägiger Compliance-Vorgaben zu sensibilisieren und zu befähigen. 

 

Kursdauer: 4 Tage

Kursgebühr: CHF 1.800,–

Teilnehmendenzahl: maximal 35 Teilnehmende

Programmsprache: Deutsch

Kurstyp: berufsbegleitend

Unterrichtszeiten: halbtags, abends, Wochenendkurs

 

Die Inhalte im Überblick:

  • Kenntnisse über Geldwäschereitechniken, Methoden der Terrorismusfinanzierung, aktuelle Phänomene und regulatorische Entwicklungen auf nationaler, europäischer und internationaler Ebene
  • Kenntnisse für die Ausübung der Berufstätigkeit als Sorgfaltspflichtbeauftragter (Anti-Money Laundering Officer)
  • Kenntnisse über Risikoanalyse und -bewertung sowie Verdachtsmeldung bei FIU
  • Kenntnisse über die strafrechtlichen Risiken im Zusammenhang mit Geldwäscherei, Terrorismusfinanzierung, organisierter Kriminalität und Verbandsverantwortlichkeit
  • Kenntnisse über die Herausforderungen von Kryptowährungen sowie den Einsatz von KI-Tools zur Erkennung von Geldwäscherei und Terrorismusfinanzierung

 

Besonderheiten:

  • 1x jährliche Durchführung
  • SAQ-Rezertifizierung «Kundenberater Bank»
  • Der Intensivkurs gilt als anerkannte berufliche Schulung und Weiterbildung nach Art 21 SPG in Verbindung mit Art 32 SPV sowie als Nachweis im Sinne des Art 36 SPV im Ausmass von 2,5 Tagen.


Der Intensivkurs findet in Kooperation mit dem Liechtensteinischen Bankenverband, der Finanzmarktaufsicht Liechtenstein (FMA) und der Liechtensteinischen Treuhandkammer statt.

Dieses Weiterbildungsangebot wird in regelmässigen Abständen durchgeführt. Die nächste Durchführung sowie die Möglichkeit zur Anmeldung finden Sie hier — sofern aktuell buchbar.

Möchten Sie benachrichtigt werden, sobald eine Anmeldung möglich ist? Lassen Sie sich unverbindlich informieren.

The intensive course «Money Laundering and Supranational Criminal Law» forms the third module of the Executive Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Economic Criminal Law. The focus lies on the legal foundations and challenges in combating money laundering, organized crime, and terrorism financing — both at national and supranational levels.

The course begins with the fundamentals of the Liechtenstein Due Diligence Act (SPG), which contains key provisions for preventing and combating money laundering under the Criminal Code (StGB). Building on this, the relevant criminal provisions are examined in detail.

A special emphasis is placed on the cross-border dimension of these offenses. Therefore, the regulations of Liechtenstein’s criminal jurisdiction, which enable prosecution of cases with foreign elements, are addressed.

Additionally, participants learn the basics of European, EEA, and international criminal law — including the main institutions and mechanisms for international criminal prosecution and cooperation.
 

Course highlights include:

  • Anti-money laundering according to SPG and Criminal Code
  • National and international legal regulations on terrorism financing
  • Criminal jurisdiction in cross-border cases
  • Functions of the EU, EEA, FATF, MONEYVAL, and other international institutions
  • Practical insights into compliance, due diligence, and cross-border prosecution


Upon completion, participants possess in-depth knowledge of money laundering prevention, understand the interplay between national and international criminal law, and are familiar with the key actors and legal frameworks in fighting financial crime.

This professional education offering is held regularly. The next session and registration options can be found here — if currently available.

Would you like to be notified as soon as registration is possible? Feel free to request information.

The intensive course "Fundamentals of Economic Criminal Law" forms the first module of the Executive Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Economic Criminal Law. In this practice-oriented yet theoretically sound course, participants acquire essential basic knowledge in criminal law, economic criminal law, and supplementary administrative criminal law.

A central part of the course is the introduction to economic-philosophical approaches and the theoretical foundations of criminal law, with a special focus on the Liechtenstein Criminal Code (StGB). Participants learn about criminal law principles, the basics of criminal responsibility, and the prerequisites for criminal acts.
 

Key topics covered in the course include:

  • Basic concepts of criminal law: acts and omissions, causality, intent and negligence
  • Special aspects: attempt, complicity, voluntary surrender, sentencing, and statute of limitations
  • Substantive law part of the Liechtenstein Administrative Penal Act (VStrG)


Practical case studies deepen the theoretical knowledge and apply it to concrete questions in economic criminal law.

After completing the course, participants are familiar with the legal foundations of criminal law and have solid introductory knowledge in economic philosophy. This module provides the ideal basis for further specialization within the Executive LL.M. in Economic Criminal Law in Liechtenstein.

This professional education offering is held regularly. The next session and registration options can be found here — if currently available.

Would you like to be notified as soon as registration is possible? Feel free to request information.

Das internationale Sanktionenrecht zählt zu den komplexesten Bereichen des Wirtschaftsrechts. Seit Beginn der militärischen Aggression gegen die Ukraine haben sich die regulatorischen Vorgaben und EU-Sanktionsmassnahmen rasant weiterentwickelt, während OFAC seine Durchsetzungspraktiken verschärft und die  extraterritoriale Anwendung US-amerikanischen Sanktionenrechts ausgeweitet hat.

Der Kurs vermittelt eine fundierte Einführung in das liechtensteinische ISG sowie in die neuen EU-Strafbestimmungen bei Verstössen gegen restriktive Massnahmen. Rechtsvergleichende Einblicke in die Schweiz und Informationen zu OFAC ergänzen die praxisorientierte, sektorübergreifende Vertiefung der geltenden Sanktionsregeln. Ziel ist die Entwicklung rechtssicherer Handlungskompetenz im Umgang mit internationalen Sanktionen sowie die nachhaltige Stärkung der Compliance.


Kursdauer: 2 Tage
Kursgebühr: CHF 750.-
Teilnehmendenzahl: maximal 35 Teilnehmende
Programmsprache: Deutsch, Englisch
Kurstyp: berufsbegleitend
Unterrichtszeiten: halbtags, abends

 

Inhalte:

  • Strafbestimmungen des ISG im Allgemeinen und der Ukraine-VO im Besonderen sowie die neuen EU-Straftatbestände
  • Praxisfragen im Sanktionenrecht in Liechtenstein und der Schweiz
  • Bedeutung und Geltungsbereich internationaler Sanktionen (insbesondere OFAC)
  • Auswirkungen auf den Finanzplatz Liechtenstein und insbesondere den Treuhand- und Bankensektor

 

Besonderheiten

  • 2x jährliche Durchführung
  • Der Intensivkurs gilt als anerkannte berufliche Schulung und Weiterbildung nach Art 21 SPG in Verbindung mit Art 32 SPV sowie als Nachweis im Sinne des Art 36 SPV im Ausmass von 1,5 Tagen.


Dieses Weiterbildungsangebot wird in regelmässigen Abständen durchgeführt. Die nächste Durchführung sowie die Möglichkeit zur Anmeldung finden Sie hier — sofern aktuell buchbar.

Möchten Sie benachrichtigt werden, sobald eine Anmeldung möglich ist? Lassen Sie sich unverbindlich informieren.

Ziel dieses Weiterbildungsformats ist es, den Teilnehmenden eine vertiefte Auseinandersetzung mit den verschiedenen liechtensteinischen Rechtsgebieten zu ermöglichen und gleichzeitig den Konzipientinnen und Konzipienten eine Unterstützung bei der Vorbereitung auf die Rechtsanwaltsprüfung in Liechtenstein zu bieten. Unter der Leitung ausgewiesener Expertinnen und Experten aus Wissenschaft und Praxis wird sichergestellt, dass die Teilnehmenden theoretisch fundiertes und gleichzeitig praxisorientiertes Wissen erwerben.

Vermittelt werden u.a. Kenntnisse in Staatsrecht und EWR-Recht, Verwaltungsrecht, Strafrecht und Strafprozessrecht, Zivilrecht (Schuldrecht, Sachenrecht, Erbrecht, Personen- und Familienrecht, Arbeitsrecht) und Zivilprozessrecht sowie Standes- und Honorarrecht, Verfahrenshilfe, Insolvenz-, Exekutions-, Sozialversicherungs- und Arbeitsrecht, Internationales Privatrecht, Schiedsrecht und Gesellschafts-, Stiftungs- und Trustrecht.

Ein optionaler Klausurenkurs widmet sich dem Verfassen von Schriftsätzen zur Vorbereitung auf die schriftliche Rechtsanwaltsprüfung. Der Klausurenkurs wird zwei Mal jährlich angeboten und kann nur gemeinsam mit den Modulen 1 bis 4 gebucht werden.
 

Weitere Informationen

The intensive course «Criminal Law and Digitalisation» constitutes the sixth module of the Executive Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Economic Criminal Law. The focus is on the criminal law challenges of digital transformation, particularly in the context of cybercrime, blockchain technology and artificial intelligence (AI).

Participants first receive a comprehensive overview of the relevant criminal provisions on cybercrime. A distinction is made between:

  • Cybercrime in the narrow sense: attacks on data and IT systems using modern information technologies (e.g. hacking, ransomware or DDoS attacks)
  • Cybercrime in the broader sense: use of IT to commit classical offences (e.g. phishing or child pornography)


The course then addresses cybersecurity, including preventive measures, technical protection mechanisms and the legal obligations in the areas of IT security and cyber resilience.


Another key focus is new digital technologies:

  • Blockchain technology and its criminal law implications are explored with reference to the Liechtenstein Blockchain Act (TVTG). The emergence of the token economy is also explained in a practice-oriented manner.
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) — in particular generative AI such as ChatGPT — is presented in its application in professional practice, including in the context of crime prevention. In addition to the legal framework, ethical and criminal law-relevant issues are discussed.


Course contents at a glance:

  • Criminal law classification of cybercrime and cybersecurity
  • Current developments in digital criminal law
  • Blockchain, tokenisation and the Liechtenstein TVTG
  • Artificial intelligence in the legal context: opportunities, risks and legal limits
  • Interactive case studies and practice-oriented discussions


After successful completion, students are able to identify, legally classify and practically resolve criminal law relevant facts in digital contexts. They possess solid knowledge in technology-based economic criminal law and are prepared for competent management of digital risks in corporate and legal contexts.

Participants acquire the ability to recognise criminal law relevant facts in the digital context and to solve them in a practice-oriented manner. They are qualified to deal with the challenges posed by tokens and AI.

This professional education offering is held regularly. The next session and registration options can be found here — if currently available.

Would you like to be notified as soon as registration is possible? Feel free to request information.

The intensive course «Criminal Law and Business» is the fifth module of the Executive Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Economic Criminal Law. The focus is on the company as a potentially criminally liable entity and the preventive management of legal risks in the business environment.


First, corporate criminal liability as enshrined in the Liechtenstein Criminal Code (StGB) is analysed. Particular emphasis is placed on misconduct by senior management as well as so-called organisational fault, which is attributable to insufficient internal structures or supervisory measures.

A significant part of the course is devoted to the topic of Criminal Compliance. The following are taught:

  • Fundamentals and structure of an effective compliance architecture
  • Strategies for preventive legal advice for companies
  • Planning and conducting internal investigations


Practical guidance is provided on how compliance violations can be identified, analysed and remedied — including cooperation with supervisory and law enforcement authorities, if necessary.

Another key focus is whistleblowing: participants learn how whistleblowing systems can be implemented in compliance with the law and how grievances can be reported and addressed internally or externally.


Finally, advanced knowledge is imparted in specific business-relevant legal areas, including:

  • Criminal copyright law
  • Unfair competition law
  • Criminal provisions in the field of industrial property rights


The material is conveyed in a vivid and action-oriented manner through practice-oriented case studies.


Course contents at a glance:

  • Corporate criminal liability and organisational fault
  • Development and implementation of compliance systems
  • Internal investigations and risk-oriented measures
  • Whistleblowing and whistleblower protection
  • Economic criminal law relating to intellectual property and competition


After completing the course, participants have specialised knowledge in corporate criminal law and criminal compliance. They are able to identify criminal risks at an early stage, develop and implement preventive compliance strategies and actively participate in internal investigations to clarify internal corporate legal violations.

This professional education offering is held regularly. The next session and registration options can be found here — if currently available.

Would you like to be notified as soon as registration is possible? Feel free to request information.

The intensive course «Criminal Procedure» forms the eighth module of the  Executive Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Economic Criminal Law. The focus is on Liechtenstein criminal procedure law, which plays a central role in economic criminal law proceedings — from the initiation of proceedings to the appeals process and international cooperation.

The course begins with the fundamental principles of criminal procedure in Liechtenstein. This is followed by an in-depth examination of the preliminary proceedings, particularly:

  • Rights of the parties involved
  • Taking of evidence and rules on inadmissible evidence
  • Obligations to testify and rights to refuse testimony
  • Investigative measures (e.g. search, seizure and surveillance)


In the main proceedings, the emphasis is on the adjudication procedure, especially the final hearing, before the appeals procedure is treated in detail.

An integral part of the course is international mutual assistance law, which is of great importance for cross-border criminal proceedings. Participants learn how mutual assistance procedures are conducted in practice and legally supported.

Finally, procedural regulations of the Administrative Penal Act (VStrG) are covered — an essential complement for dealing with so-called administrative offences.
 

Course contents at a glance:

  • Liechtenstein criminal procedure law: structure and process
  • Preliminary proceedings: rights, evidence, investigative measures
  • Adjudication procedure and main court hearing
  • Appeal, revision and other remedies
  • International mutual assistance in criminal matters
  • Liechtenstein administrative penal procedure


Participants acquire comprehensive knowledge of criminal procedural law, which they can apply competently in national proceedings. In addition, they are able to support cross-border criminal proceedings in a legally secure and efficient manner — a key competence in modern economic criminal law.

This professional education offering is held regularly. The next session and registration options can be found here — if currently available.

Would you like to be notified as soon as registration is possible? Feel free to request information.

The intensive course “Economic Offenses in the Criminal Code (StGB)” constitutes the second module of the Executive Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Economic Criminal Law. The course focuses on an in-depth examination of economically relevant criminal offenses in the Liechtenstein Criminal Code (StGB).
 

Participants acquire comprehensive knowledge of key economic offenses, including:

  • Property offenses (e.g., fraud, breach of trust, embezzlement)
  • Document-related offenses (e.g., forgery, suppression of documents)
  • Insolvency offenses (e.g., fraudulent bankruptcy, creditor preference)
  • Corruption offenses (e.g., bribery, acceptance of benefits, granting of benefits)


These offense categories are thoroughly analysed, systematically structured, and deepened with numerous practical case studies to provide participants with an application-oriented understanding of the law.

A particular highlight is the comparative law section at the end of the course, where international perspectives on selected economic offenses are explored. The regulations of other jurisdictions — such as German-speaking countries and selected OECD states — are examined to illustrate comparability, differences, and international standards in economic criminal law.
 

Course overview:

  • Systematics of economic offenses in the Liechtenstein Criminal Code
  • In-depth study of relevant economic offenses
  • Case studies applying criminal law provisions
  • Comparative law analysis of selected international criminal law systems
     

Upon completion, participants will possess practical knowledge of key economic offenses and an advanced understanding of their application in an international context. This module is essential for lawyers, compliance officers, and executives with responsibilities related to criminal and economic criminal law.

This professional education offering is held regularly. The next session and registration options can be found here — if currently available.

Would you like to be notified as soon as registration is possible? Feel free to request information.

The intensive course «Economic Crimes in Material Laws» is the fourth module of the Executive Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Economic Criminal Law. The focus is on those criminal provisions of secondary criminal law embedded in various material laws that are of central importance to the practice of economic criminal law.

Participants acquire advanced knowledge in the following areas:

  • Tax criminal law and customs criminal law
  • Accounting criminal law and capital market criminal law
  • Criminal protection of secrets (e.g. trade and business secrets)
  • International sanctions


Due to the accessory nature of these economic criminal offences, the underlying non-criminal behavioural norms, such as tax, customs and supervisory law provisions, are also systematically examined.

Special emphasis is placed on practical relevance: in application-oriented case studies, participants analyse concrete facts, apply criminal law provisions and develop well-founded solution strategies — directly relating to the challenges in corporate practice, compliance and criminal defence.


Course contents at a glance:

  • Economic criminal offences outside the Criminal Code (StGB)
  • Linking material law provisions with criminal sanctions
  • Current developments in sanctions law
  • Analysis and resolution of complex case scenarios from corporate practice


After successful completion of the course, participants are able to confidently identify relevant criminal offences of secondary criminal law, classify them legally and develop scientifically based solutions for complex economic criminal law issues. This creates an essential foundation for responsible conduct in business, administration and legal consultancy.

This professional education offering is held regularly. The next session and registration options can be found here — if currently available.

Would you like to be notified as soon as registration is possible? Feel free to request information.

Den Teilnehmenden werden spezielle Themenstellung des Bankrechts abseits des BankG, etwa im Bereich der Zahlungsinstitute, der Zahlungssysteme und des E-Geld-Regimes, vorgestellt. Zudem werden sie für den Bereich der Geldwäschereiprävention sensibilisiert. In diesem Modul erarbeiten sich die Teilnehmenden ausserdem umfassende Kenntnisse im Bereich des privaten Bankvertragsrechts und der gängigen Rahmenverträge, die für den täglichen Einsatz in der Bankenpraxis unabdingbar sind.

Dieses Weiterbildungsangebot wird in regelmässigen Abständen durchgeführt. Die nächste Durchführung sowie die Möglichkeit zur Anmeldung finden Sie hier – sofern aktuell buchbar.

Möchten Sie benachrichtigt werden, sobald eine Anmeldung möglich ist? Lassen Sie sich unverbindlich informieren.

Economic Criminal Law

Conferences and Series

The «Liechtenstein Economic Criminal Law Talks» are an established conference series in the Principality of Liechtenstein addressing current issues in national and international economic criminal law. The focus lies on compliance challenges as well as the impact of digitalisation on criminal law.

The talks aim to provide a platform for exchange between academia and practice. The conference series offers space for high-level expert presentations, comparative legal perspectives and interactive discussions with specialists from Liechtenstein and abroad.
 

Topics include:

  • Current issues in Liechtenstein economic criminal law and criminal procedure law
  • Developments in the EEA, European and international economic criminal law
  • Digital transformation processes and their criminal law implications
  • Criminal compliance and risk management


Participants are invited to actively engage in panel discussions and contribute their own questions to the dialogue. The "Liechtenstein Economic Criminal Law Talks" are aimed at lawyers, compliance officers, companies, authorities and anyone seeking an in-depth engagement with current developments in economic criminal law.

This professional education offering is held regularly. The next session and registration options can be found here — if currently available.

Would you like to be notified as soon as registration is possible? Feel free to request information.

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Mag. phil. Christoph Osztovics
Programme Manager - Economic Criminal Law, Compliance and Digitalisation
Employee