In an increasingly regulated business world, compliance with criminal law is not only a legal obligation but also a strategic success factor. Criminal compliance encompasses all measures taken to prevent, detect, and address criminal risks in companies and organizations.

The alignment of business activities of companies in Switzerland and Liechtenstein with the EU single market makes criminal compliance a topic of considerable importance.

Why criminal compliance?

Even the initiation of an investigation can cause considerable damage to a company's reputation and result in financial burdens. A functioning compliance management system (CMS) helps to minimize risks and shows authorities, business partners, and customers that responsible conduct is part of the corporate culture.

Our services in the area of criminal compliance

• As a law firm specializing in commercial criminal law, we offer you:

• Criminal law risk analyses to identify potential sources of danger

• Development and implementation of compliance codes (e.g., anti-corruption, anti-fraud)

• Employee training and workshops to raise awareness and prevent risks

• Compliance audits to review existing systems

• Legal opinions on complex criminal law issues

• Support with internal investigations and setting up whistleblower systems

• Compliance defense in the context of criminal defense for companies in FL - CH - AT

Internal investigations & suspected cases

In cases of suspicion, a thorough internal investigation is essential. We support you in:

• the legal assessment of suspected cases

• conducting discreet investigations in compliance with labor, data protection, and criminal law requirements

• interviewing employees and evaluating electronic data

• developing measures to limit damage and avoid liability

Identification of risk indicators

Typical risk factors for criminal behavior include:

• Conflicts of interest and lack of transparency

• Lack of control mechanisms

• Unclear responsibilities

• Lack of training and awareness

• Fictitious contracts and fictitious invoices

We help you identify these indicators at an early stage and develop appropriate countermeasures.

Dealing with whistleblowers under the HSchG

The Whistleblower Protection Act (HSchG) obliges companies to set up secure internal reporting channels. We advise you on:

• the legally compliant implementation of a whistleblower system

• maintaining the confidentiality and identity of whistleblowers

• compliance with legal deadlines and documentation requirements

• protection against reprisals and the legal assessment of reports

Strategies for avoiding liability cases

An effective compliance system can prevent criminal liability for companies and executives. Maier works with you to develop:

• Preventive measures for risk minimization

• Clear responsibility structures

• Documented decision-making processes

• Legally compliant communication strategies in the event of a crisis

Reputation management

Criminal proceedings can permanently damage a company's reputation.

Maier supports you in protecting your reputation through:

• Litigation PR – proactive crisis communication

• Transparent internal and external communication

• Monitoring of media and social networks

• Development of response strategies for reputation risks

Maier supports you if you want to set up your company in a legally compliant manner and minimize criminal risks. We advise you individually, confidentially, and with many years of experience in the field of criminal compliance.