Investigations into subsidy fraud at the Technical University of Brandenburg!

Investigations into subsidy fraud at the Technical University of Brandenburg!

Werder (Havel), Deutschland - On June 5, 2025, police officers searched the office space of the Technical University of Brandenburg (THB) and business and living rooms in Werder (Havel). At the center of the investigation is the Institute for Innovation and Information Management (IFII) and the associated digital work. As the Märkische Allgemine reports, there is suspicion that government funding has been cheated here. There are two main suspects in particular in the sight of the Potsdam public prosecutor's office: Jochen S., the academic director of IFII, and his wife Michaela S., the managing director of the institute and head of the digital work.

The IFII is a legally self-employed GmbH that complements THB's research and further training offer. The digital work has specialized in helping small and medium -sized companies in digitization, which was funded not least by a proud 7.5 million euros in funding from the state, the federal government and the European Union by 2021. Now, however, the question arises: How high is the suspected damage to the public sector? This number remains unclear at the moment, since evidence from the searches are still evaluated. In addition, the authorities said that the investigation is not directed against members of the university management or university administration.

Subsidy fraud in the focus

The suspicion of subsidy fraud not only concerns THB and its partners, but is also a recurring topic in Germany. Especially since the Corona pandemic, the number of investigative procedures in this area has risen rapidly. From 318 cases in 2019, the number skyrocketed to 7,585 in 2020. These developments are closely related to the state corona wages that are intended to support companies in economic emergencies. In many cases it is unclear what information is actually necessary for the application, which both applicants and consultants present with challenges.

Sub -subscription fraud in accordance with § 264 StGB is available if subsidies are obtained through incorrect or incomplete information or the concealment of relevant information. In severe cases, punishments of up to ten years of imprisonment can be pronounced, in addition to withdrawal of official ability or confiscation, abusive funds. This is often done by icing on the cake: exaggerations for losses in sales or the silence of other sources of income.

penalties and options for action

In the context of the investigation, it is not only necessary to clarify the allegations, but also to weigh up possible consequences for those affected. In the best case, repayment of the funding amount could have a penalty reducing. There is also the possibility of a criminal volunteering, provided that the subsidy has not yet been paid out. For Jochen S. and Michaela S., it is therefore crucial to act quickly and get competent support in order to clarify their situation in the context of this complex legal situation.

Anyone who is in such a situation as a person concerned should use the expertise of specialist lawyers for criminal law who can help to examine the allegations and to develop individual defense strategies. The procedure for subsidy fraud is more important than ever to protect public assets and to secure the purpose of state funding measures.