Hackers copy beneficial-owner data on about 31,000 Liechtenstein entities

A major cyberattack on Liechtenstein's register of beneficial owners (VwbP) during the night of July 29 to July 30, 2026, compromised the personal data of approximately 31,000 entities. The stolen information includes names, birth dates, and nationalities of individuals behind companies and trusts. Led by Prime Minister Brigitte Haas, a government crisis team took the system offline. No ransom demands have been made, and the data has not appeared on the darknet.

Cyberattack on beneficial ownership register

• ▪A cyberattack targeted Liechtenstein's register of beneficial owners (Verzeichnis wirtschaftlich berechtigter Personen) during the night of July 29 to July 30, 2026.
• ▪The Liechtenstein Office of Justice detected irregularities and unauthorized digital access to the register of beneficial owners on July 30, 2026.

Compromised data scope

• ▪The compromised data includes names, dates of birth, nationalities, and countries of residence of the beneficial owners of Liechtenstein entities.
• ▪The cyberattack compromised data copies belonging to approximately 31,000 legal entities, including companies, foundations, and trusts registered in Liechtenstein.
• ▪There are no indications that any data within the register of beneficial owners was altered or deleted during the cyberattack.

Government crisis response measures

• ▪The Liechtenstein government established a dedicated email address, vwbpfragen@llv.li, to handle inquiries from affected individuals and entities.
• ▪The government of Liechtenstein established a crisis team led by Prime Minister Brigitte Haas and Justice Minister Emanuel Schädler on August 1, 2026.
• ▪The Liechtenstein Office of Justice took the register of beneficial owners offline to prevent further unauthorized access.

Investigation status

• ▪As of early August 2026, the perpetrators of the cyberattack remain unknown, and no ransom demands have been received by the Liechtenstein government.
• ▪As of early August 2026, there are no indications that the stolen data has been published or offered for sale on the darknet.

Anti-money laundering transparency requirements

• ▪Liechtenstein established the register of beneficial owners in 2021 to comply with European Union anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing directives.
• ▪Liechtenstein abolished banking secrecy in tax matters in 2017 as part of financial sector transparency reforms.