Princely Court in Liechtenstein Imposes Fines and Diversion in Wallet Theft, Embezzlement Case

Princely Court Addresses Multiple Charges

On October 21, 2025, the Princely Court (Fürstliches Landgericht) in Liechtenstein heard a case involving two defendants facing charges of embezzlement, suppression of documents, and theft of a found wallet. The proceedings concluded with the court imposing fines and diversion measures on the accused individuals.

The Role of Liechtenstein's Princely Court

The Fürstliches Landgericht serves as the court of first instance in Liechtenstein's judicial system, handling both civil and criminal matters. Located in Vaduz, it is a foundational component of the country's ordinary jurisdiction. The court operates with individual judges for many cases, while more serious criminal offenses may be heard by collegiate courts, including the Criminal Court (Kriminalgericht) or the Lay Judges' Court (Schöffengericht), which incorporate lay assessors.

Legal Framework for the Charges

The charges brought against the two defendants fall under specific provisions of Liechtenstein's Criminal Code:

• Embezzlement: Under Liechtenstein criminal law, embezzlement involves the misuse of authorization over another person's assets, causing damage. Depending on the financial damage incurred, penalties can range from imprisonment of up to six months or a monetary penalty of up to 360 daily rates. If the damage exceeds CHF 7,500, imprisonment can extend up to three years.
• Suppression of Documents: The suppression of documents, as outlined in Section 229 of the Criminal Code, is punishable by imprisonment of up to one year or a monetary penalty of up to 720 daily rates. This offense typically involves destroying, damaging, or withholding a document with the intent to prevent its use in legal transactions to prove a right or fact.
• Theft of a Found Wallet: While specific provisions for 'theft of a found wallet' are not explicitly detailed as a unique category, general theft provisions apply. Theft offenses in Liechtenstein can result in imprisonment of up to six months or a monetary penalty of up to 360 daily rates, depending on the nature and value of the stolen property.

Fines and Diversion in Liechtenstein's Legal System

The outcome of fines and diversion reflects aspects of Liechtenstein's approach to criminal penalties. Monetary penalties, or fines, are a common form of sanction, often calculated based on 'daily rates,' where the amount of each daily rate is determined by the convicted person's income. The court may impose a fine instead of imprisonment if the maximum punishment for the crime committed does not exceed five years' imprisonment and the accused is not sentenced to more than six months. 'Diversion' in this context typically refers to an alternative resolution that avoids a more severe punitive measure, such as a lengthy prison sentence, and may involve conditions or alternative forms of accountability. This approach aligns with the legal system's flexibility in addressing offenses, particularly those where monetary penalties are deemed appropriate.