Investments in tangible assets are often presented as a stable alternative to traditional financial investments. Among other things, gold, precious metals, art, watches, commodities, collectibles, and other assets that are supposedly scarce and physically held are promoted. The economic appeal of such models usually lies in the combination of tangible assets, storage, documented ownership, and the expectation of a future sale.
In practice, however, significant legal and practical risks arise. Cases become particularly complex when buyers not only acquire a tangible asset but also rely on organized storage, value preservation, resale, buyback, the arrangement of a buyer, or a specific expected return. The line between a standard purchase of goods, a structured investment, a distribution system, and a structure that may be subject to regulatory oversight can be blurred in individual cases.
In Liechtenstein and the DACH region, high-volume disputes surrounding tangible asset investments are becoming increasingly common. This also applies to models involving gold and other tangible assets that were offered through distribution networks, advisors, intermediaries, or affiliated companies. The legal assessment does not depend on the product’s promotional designation. What matters is what was actually promised, documented, delivered, stored, insured, valued, and economically facilitated.
Bergt Law advises and represents investors and potentially aggrieved purchasers in such situations. Our services include the legal review of contractual documents, promotional materials, payment flows, proofs of ownership, storage confirmations, certificates, communication records, and other evidence. In doing so, we examine, in particular, civil claims, criminal proceedings, the liability of corporate officers and intermediaries, regulatory issues, and cross-border enforcement options.
Depending on the facts of the case, several legal avenues may be considered. These include claims for damages, rescission, claims arising from breach of contract, avoidance of contracts due to fraud or mistake, claims for restitution, liability claims against intermediaries, criminal complaints, preliminary injunctions, or other protective measures. In cross-border cases, it is also necessary to determine which courts and authorities have jurisdiction and in which country assets can be secured.
For those affected, an early assessment is essential. All relevant documents should be fully preserved. These include purchase agreements, subscription forms, invoices, payment receipts, bank statements, custody confirmations, certificates, expert opinions, photos, emails, chat messages, presentations, prospectuses, return-on-investment calculations, communications with intermediaries, and documents regarding the alleged existence or quality of the tangible assets. Even documents that initially seem insignificant can be crucial for the later enforcement of claims.
Cases involving Liechtenstein deserve special attention. This applies, for example, when investors are resident in Liechtenstein, payments were processed through Liechtenstein accounts or structures, Liechtenstein companies, governing bodies, brokers, or intermediaries were involved, or assets could be secured in Liechtenstein. Due to the close economic ties between Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Austria, and Germany, such cases often require a coordinated legal strategy spanning multiple jurisdictions.
In this area, Bergt Law combines litigation, financial markets law, corporate law, criminal law, asset recovery, and cross-border coordination. The goal is to provide a structured initial assessment, secure the evidence, and develop a realistic strategy to protect and enforce claims.
Affected investors and purchasers can contact Bergt Law for a confidential initial assessment. An early legal analysis can be crucial for meeting deadlines, preserving evidence, and coordinating potential actions against providers, intermediaries, corporate bodies, or other parties involved.