Freiburg businessman faces trial for fraud, wage theft, and COVID-19 subsidy scams
A 49-year-old businessman from Freiburg will stand trial for fraud and wage theft. The case involves unregistered workers, stolen wages, and false claims for COVID-19 relief funds. Proceedings begin at Freiburg District Court on March 30, 2026, at 9 a.m. Between March 2020 and November 2021, the defendant allegedly employed 46 workers at his construction and cleaning company without registering them. By doing so, he avoided paying social security contributions worth around €188,000.
During the same period, he is accused of repeatedly withholding and embezzling employees' wages. Investigators also found that he applied for emergency COVID-19 subsidies in spring 2020 using false information. This fraudulent claim secured him roughly €60,000 in government aid. The charges include subsidy fraud, social security fraud, and wage theft. The trial will examine evidence from his business operations and financial records.
The court will determine whether the defendant illegally obtained public funds while exploiting unregistered staff. If convicted, he could face penalties for fraud, unpaid contributions, and wage violations. The hearing is scheduled for March 30, 2026.
