A worker at Hansa Rostock successfully pilfers 100,000 euros from the safe's grasp.
In the spring of 2023, it was unveiled that an employee of the football club Hansa Rostock had pilfered approximately 100,000 euros from a safe. This startling revelation was first brought to light in a report published by the "Ostsee-Zeitung". Upon investigation, it was revealed that the perpetrator, a 28-year-old individual, had already been convicted by the Rostock Local Court.
According to the spokeswoman for the Rostock Public Prosecutor's Office, the employee admitted to stealing the substantial sum from the safe located in the club's business office, through his legal representative. At the time of the heist, Hansa was still competing in the 2nd Bundesliga. Regrettably, the club currently finds itself in 19th place in the 3rd league, having secured only two points from their opening four matches.
Access to the safe
The prosecutor's office alleged that the thefts transpired between September 2022 and May 2023. The employee in question was in possession of a key to the safe. Initially, the club did not respond to the German Press Agency's request for comment.
So, where did all this cash originate from? According to club sources, then CEO Robert Marien and his management team were unaware of the sum and were taken aback by its discovery. It was rumored that the money had been donated by a Hansa member, without the knowledge of the board, and was initially stored in the safe. The prosecutor's office was unable to verify whether this was the sole donation from a club member.
At first, Hansa opted not to file a complaint, instead relying on the culprit to repay the stolen amount in installments. However, unfortunately, this plan did not materialize, leading the club to ultimately file a complaint with the authorities. In January of the current year, the Rostock Local Court upheld the criminal sentence. The court deemed the culprit eligible for a one-year prison term, which was suspended for a period of two years. The individual was instructed to return the stolen funds.
In an attempt to address the financial loss, Hansa Rostock considered filing a complaint but initially chose to rely on the employee to repay the stolen money in installments. Regrettably, the club's third league standing in 2023 has deteriorated significantly, with Hansa securing only two points from their first four matches, placing them in 19th position.
