Euskirchener brother convicted of flood aid fraud-how is it going?
<p> <strong> Euskirchener brother convicted of flood aid fraud-how is it going? </strong> </p>
Euskirchen: Due to flood aid fraud a year and a half on probation
In a sensational process at the Bonn district court, a 43-year-old man from Euskirchen was sentenced to a probation penalty of one and a half years for fraud in connection with flood aid material. This is the first judgment resulting from an understanding between court, indictment and defense. The defendant confessed to his misconduct, which was considered by those involved in order to alleviate the punishment.
The allegations against the convicted concerned unauthorized applications for immediate help after the flood disaster in 2021. Together with his brother, the more serious allocations were raised, the accused requested disproportionately high amounts of damage later. In contrast to the claimed amounts of damage, which were over one million euros, the man himself estimated the damage actually incurred to only ten percent.
"He wanted to get as much flood aid as possible," said presiding judge Jörg Reismann in his declaration of judgment.
The court found that the defendant's real estate had been damaged by the floods, but to a significantly lower extent than was represented by him. The judge pointed out that the convict's brother had made him aware of the aids, which ultimately led to a falsification of an expert opinion in order to underpin the claims.
While the older brother got away with a suspended sentence, his younger brother is faced with considerably more serious allegations. He is accused of applying for equity services of over two million euros, a part of which has already been paid out. A procedure for tax evasion is still pending. The trial of him is expected to take another course in summer.
The case urgently illuminates the challenges and abuse options that can arise in connection with flood aid. Despite the good will and the urgent need for support, the responsible authorities quickly become suspected of being overwhelmed, which increases public pressure on case law.