"Gorch Fock": Public prosecutor brings charges in the case of the "Gorch Fock"

How the Osnabrück public prosecutor's office announces The investigation into suspected corruption in the refurbishment of the "Gorch Fock" is on the home straight. The first charges have been brought and the Oldenburg Regional Court is now deciding whether to open the main proceedings.

Ministry of Defence filed criminal charges

The investigations were initiated on 13 December 2018 following a criminal complaint by the Federal Ministry of Defence on suspicion of bribery against a technical cost auditor at the Wilhelmshaven naval arsenal and on suspicion of bribery against two managers at the Elsfleth shipyard. On the same day, extensive searches were carried out in Elsfleth, Brake, Bremen and Hamburg, and an asset freeze of 800,000 euros was ordered against the cost auditor. The more than 30 officers involved in the searches seized extensive evidence.

116 investigations initiated

The police and public prosecutor's investigations continued to expand as the evidence seized was analysed and further information was obtained. A total of 65 searches were carried out, during which over 14 terabytes of data and 1,450 files were seized and analysed. In the 116 preliminary proceedings initiated, 98 suspects were investigated. A total of 142 hearings were conducted as a result of the proceedings and assets totalling approx. 14.5 million euros were seized.

More than 28 million euros in damage

Specifically, investigations were conducted in 25 proceedings for corruption of public officials, in 60 proceedings against subcontractors of Elsflether Werft for bribery and aiding and abetting fraud, in five proceedings against persons responsible at Elsflether Werft for embezzlement in a particularly serious case, wilfully unauthorised conduct of banking transactions, breach of accounting obligations and delay in filing for insolvency and in 26 proceedings against persons responsible at Elsflether Werft for commercial fraud and bribery in business dealings. The public prosecutor's office estimates the potential amount of damages at more than 28 million euros.

Investigations continue

Numerous proceedings were discontinued during the investigations due to a lack of sufficient suspicion or in exchange for a fine, and in other proceedings a summary penalty order was issued. However, several of the proceedings have now led to charges being brought by the Osnabrück public prosecutor's office. Next, the Oldenburg Regional Court will decide on the opening of the main proceedings. Investigations are still ongoing in the case of two former board members of Elsflether Werft who are suspected of the offence. The proceedings are not expected to be concluded for several months.