Suspected Subsidy Fraud: Kassel Police and State Prosecutor’s Office Investigate False Claims for Energy Renovation Grants
Kassel, Germany – The Kassel Criminal Police and State Prosecutor’s Office are investigating several individuals suspected of subsidy fraud in connection with applications for energy renovation grants. The group is believed to have assisted clients in manipulating applications submitted to the Federal Office for Economic Affairs and Export Control (BAfA), according to a joint statement from the Kassel Police Headquarters and the State Prosecutor’s Office.
Dawn Raids and Evidence Seizure
As part of the investigation, search warrants were executed at the homes and businesses of four primary suspects, ranging in age from 34 to 43, as well as at the premises of alleged clients in Kassel, Vellmar, Baunatal, Fuldabrück, Hofgeismar, and Borken. During the searches, numerous data storage devices were confiscated for further analysis. Additionally, a small cannabis plantation, a blank-firing weapon, and two knives were discovered.
Alleged Role of Key Individuals
According to current investigations, the group is comprised of a financial advisor, a construction contractor, a broker, and a certified energy consultant. The energy consultant is suspected of serving as the liaison with the BAfA. Under legal stipulations, she was responsible for designing the energy renovation plan, providing technical supervision during construction, and attesting to the proper implementation of the measures.
Financial Motive and Questionable Practices
The investigation suggests that all the accused individuals benefited financially from the alleged scheme through commissions. However, the energy renovations, according to the information gathered thus far, were either not carried out at all or only partially completed.
Estimated Damages
The total ущерб cannot be accurately estimated at this time, but authorities believe it may reach the seven-figure range. In one instance, a suspect is alleged to have received €200,000 in grant funding for the energy renovation of his residential property, while submitting invoices from his own fictitious company to the BAfA.
Ongoing Investigations and Legal Implications
Extensive investigations by the Kassel Criminal Police and State Prosecutor’s Office into the group and its clients are ongoing. No applications for pretrial detention have been filed, as there are currently no grounds for detention against any of the suspects.
