Job Center Fraud Investigation: Police Conduct Raids in Multiple States

Authorities have launched an extensive investigation into a group suspected of defrauding job centers across Berlin, Brandenburg, and Saxony-Anhalt. The police executed search warrants at multiple locations, resulting in the arrest of a 42-year-old man believed to be a key figure in the operation. This alleged fraud scheme has reportedly caused a financial loss of approximately EUR891,000.

The Berlin Public Prosecutor's Office is currently investigating a total of eleven men aged between 32 and 63, along with four women aged 43 to 74. The individuals are accused of exploiting the job center system from May 2021 to at least July 2023. They allegedly billed for coaching services that were either not provided or only partially completed.

The fraudulent activities involved the misuse of vouchers issued to job seekers receiving unemployment benefits. These vouchers are intended to cover the costs of job coaching services, which are then reimbursed by the authorities. The suspects are accused of improperly billing for these services, taking advantage of the system designed to assist individuals in securing employment.

In a coordinated effort, police conducted searches at 25 different locations, including residential properties in Mittenwalde, Brandenburg, and Dessau-Roßlau in Saxony-Anhalt. The primary focus of the raids was in Berlin, where officials targeted areas such as Charlottenburg, Tempelhof, Schöneberg, and Adlershof.

Approximately 200 police officers from various jurisdictions participated in the operation, resulting in the seizure of business documents and electronic devices, which will be analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation.