On 8 November 1999, German newspaper Der Spiegel published a report by the Federal Intelligence Service that accused various banks, politicians, and judges within Liechtenstein of cooperating with organized criminal organizations, such as the Russian mafia and drug cartels, to promote money laundering.
[1][2] The same day, Prime Minister of Liechtenstein Mario Frick held a press conference and criticized the report as "dubious and unfair".
Previously, trustees and lawyers could open accounts in Liechtenstein banks with the holder remaining anonymous.
[4] In 2000, Gabriel Marxer, a member of the Landtag of Liechtenstein, had his parliamentary immunity revoked and was subsequently arrested due to the scandal.
[2] Liechtenstein adopted the European Union's third iteration of the anti-money laundering directive (AMLD III) in 2005.