2026 Liechtenstein — AML beneficial-owners register hack; ~31,000 legal entities (government)
Data compromised
Data on approximately 31,000 legal entities from Liechtenstein’s register of economic beneficiaries (people behind companies, foundations and trusteeships). Government said no indications data was altered or deleted.
Technical writeup
Verified — Liechtenstein government statement reported by Euronews and trade press (3 Aug 2026). An unknown perpetrator gained unauthorised digital access during the night of 30 July 2026 to systems associated with the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (VwbP). The breach was noticed Thursday; systems were secured and taken offline. Investigators established that hackers stole data “from approximately 31,000 legal entities” in the Register of Beneficial Owners of Legal Entities (set up 2021 for AML/CFT). No indications data was altered or deleted. A crisis team led by Prime Minister Brigitte Haas and Justice Minister Emanuel Schadler was formed to investigate and notify those affected. Liechtenstein’s financial industry is central to its ~40,000-person economy; the register lists people behind companies, foundations and trusteeships.
Root cause
Unauthorised digital access overnight 30–31 July 2026 to systems tied to the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (VwbP) / Register of Beneficial Owners of Legal Entities (government statement)