Luxembourg Faces Surge in Cybercrime: Prosecutors Urge More Tools to Fight Back

As cybercrime surges across Luxembourg, prosecutors are urging lawmakers to provide stronger tools and streamlined procedures to help the justice system respond effectively. Between 2020 and 2024, reported phishing cases skyrocketed from just 28 to over 2,100, marking one of the sharpest increases ever recorded in the Grand Duchy.

In response, Luxembourg’s government is considering significant adjustments to the country’s criminal procedure laws, including extending what is known as the “mini-investigation” — a simplified investigation process aimed at speeding up judicial action in certain cases.

Currently, this streamlined procedure allows prosecutors to conduct certain inquiries — such as bank searches in fraud or phishing cases — without needing prior approval from an investigating judge. The proposed reform would expand its use to help authorities react faster to digital financial crimes, which often involve fast-moving online transfers across multiple jurisdictions.

“The representatives of the public prosecutor’s office have made it clear that they need these changes to stand a chance against cybercrime,” said Laurent Mosar (CSV), president of the parliamentary justice committee, after a recent meeting with prosecutors.

Balancing Speed and Safeguards
While prosecutors emphasize the need for agility, the Luxembourg Bar Association has raised concerns about potential risks to due process. The association insists that investigating judges and the Council Chamber serve as vital checks within the judicial system. Without them, there are fears that cases could move too quickly — leaving insufficient time for defense preparation or fair review.

However, according to the prosecutor’s office, acquittal rates remain nearly identical between traditional investigations (6.5%) and mini-investigations (7.4%), suggesting that streamlined procedures do not necessarily compromise justice.

An Overloaded Judiciary
Investigating judges in Luxembourg currently handle up to 200 cases at once, creating serious bottlenecks in processing fraud and cybercrime complaints. The prosecutor’s office argues that the extended mini-investigation could ease this burden while helping victims recover lost funds faster.

Lawmakers are expected to decide within the next two weeks whether to pass the bill as proposed or to introduce amendments that balance efficiency with judicial oversight.

What remains clear is that Luxembourg’s justice system is racing to keep pace with a rapidly evolving threat landscape — where digital scams, phishing networks, and financial fraud have become the new frontline of crime.
Read More : Cybercriminalité : le parquet exige des moyens pour lutter contre le phishing - L'essentiel