The publication Lexology Asset Recovery 2026 Liechtenstein provides a helpful overview of the most important aspects of Liechtenstein civil and enforcement law as well as criminal procedure law in connection with measures for tracing, securing and recovering assets located in Liechtenstein (Asset Tracing and Asset Recovery).
Liechtenstein law offers extensive possibilities for initially tracing assets in various jurisdictions with the aid of criminal procedure law instruments and on the basis of international mutual legal assistance agreements, and for freezing them through criminal procedural measures. Documents and information can be obtained and seized, which victims can view and use to pursue their claims in civil proceedings.
Furthermore, victims and damaged parties can independently reclaim and recover assets from the respective persons through civil proceedings. In particular, claims for damages, tort claims, claims for unjust enrichment and property claims are possible. The information obtained in criminal investigations can provide helpful support in this regard.
The publication deals with the various claims in connection with asset recovery cases for the recovery of confiscated assets and the possible interim measures for blocking assets and preventing further transfers.
Further acts of dissipation and disposal can be prevented by issuing interim orders such as prohibitive orders or asset freezes. At the same time, this enables a damaged party to secure access to these assets and priority satisfaction. A special feature of the Liechtenstein legal protection system is the obtaining of priority liens on debtors’ assets. Of particular note is the possibility of securing and accessing property rights that indirectly provide access to assets located in Liechtenstein. Such rights include, in particular, contractual rights, shareholder rights, founder rights, founder rights, beneficiary rights, mandate rights and instruction rights.
Companies closely related to the debtor or economically attributable to him may also be subject to asset recovery measures. The assets of such companies may be subject to freezes or enforcement. In addition, liability claims may also exist against directors and organs of the companies involved and may be asserted as claims for accountability.
In the context of asset recovery proceedings, even foreign enforcement orders can sometimes be recognised and enforced directly or indirectly in Liechtenstein and serve as a basis for recovering assets.
Niedermüller Attorneys at Law has an experienced team of specialists in the field of asset recovery and regularly advises international clients in connection with cross-border asset recovery proceedings. The Asset Recovery team is led by Managing Partner Dr Matthias Niedermüller M.B.L.-HSG.
