Between hope and liability – Why new Lyoness/Lyconet/myWorld victims should expect a review rather than repayment

NOTE: This article is expressly intended only for those victims of Lyoness/Lyconet/myWorld who have not yet taken any steps to reclaim their losses. It represents a legally non-binding assessment based on the opinions of our legal advisors.

No assets, no payout

The insolvency of myWorld International AG in Austria marks the provisional end of a business model that, under the names Lyoness, Lyconet and most recently myWorld, reached tens of thousands of people in Europe over many years. For many of those affected, the question now is: is there still a chance of getting back the money they lost?

The sobering answer is: hardly any chance at all.

The insolvency administrators in Graz have already made it clear that there are practically no realisable assets available. The debts exceed the remaining assets many times over. Even those who register their claims by the deadline of 23 September 2025 can, at best, expect to receive a symbolic fraction. However, anyone who misses the deadline will permanently lose any right to even be formally considered as a creditor.

Italian class action lawsuit as an example: leverage instead of rescue

In Italy, a law firm is currently calling for a class action lawsuit on behalf of victims, but is basing its case on the ongoing insolvency proceedings. This may sound like a glimmer of hope, but in reality it is less about refunds and more about public pressure. The myWorld company shells were and are empty, and the actual beneficiaries have presumably long since secured their earnings elsewhere.

Criminal proceedings: liability instead of repayment

Criminal proceedings against those responsible and top marketers are also underway and being prepared. However, criminal trials primarily serve to punish perpetrators, not to compensate victims. For victims, the indirect benefit remains: a criminal conviction can facilitate civil claims against individuals and contribute to social reappraisal.

Conclusion: liability instead of hope

What should be considered:

• Repayments from the insolvency estate are illusory.
• Liability, reappraisal and criminal consequences are the more realistic goals.
• Victims should adjust their expectations and soberly weigh up whether further investment in legal proceedings outside Austria is worthwhile.

The real significance of the upcoming lawsuits lies less in financial compensation and more in the legal and political determination that the Lyoness/Lyconet/myWorld system operated at the expense of consumers and that those responsible will be held accountable.

Note:

This article is based on publicly available sources, documented complaints from investors and an official press enquiry. It is a journalistic analysis. All statements about legal risks or possible contractual constellations are to be understood as assessments, not as conclusive legal advice. Those affected should seek legal advice in case of doubt.

Sources (selection, as of 12 September 2025)

• KSV1870 insolvency file: Entry on the bankruptcy proceedings against myWorld International AG, LG Graz, opened on 4 August 2025, registered office at Grazbachgasse 87–91.
• https://www.ksv.at/insolvenzfaelle (accessed: 12 September 2025).
• Die Presse: ‘myWorld International AG insolvent – Insolvency administrator Dr Ulla Reisch appointed, claims to be filed by 23 September’, 4 August 2025.
• https://www.diepresse.com (accessed: 12.09.2025).
• MeinBezirk Graz: ‘Graz cashback company “myWorld” is insolvent’, 05.08.2025.
• https://www.meinbezirk.at (accessed: 12.09.2025).
• Die Presse: ‘myWorld Austria GmbH also insolvent – business discontinued’, 12 August 2025.
• https://www.diepresse.com (accessed: 12 September 2025).
• Autorità Garante della Concorrenza e del Mercato (AGCM, Italy): Press release on antitrust proceedings against myWorld Italia S.r.l. and Lyconet Italia S.r.l., total fine of approximately €3 million for misleading and pyramid-like practices, 2022.
• https://www.agcm.it (accessed: 12 September 2025).
• Tiroler Tageszeitung / Die Presse: Reports on investigations by the Cologne Public Prosecutor’s Office against Lyoness Germany, 2018.
• https://www.diepresse.com, https://www.tt.com (accessed: 12 September 2025).