Amidst the global spread of the COVID-19 virus - Accused of Discriminatory Commission Fees?
Accusations Against Previous Company Leader for Alleged Unwarranted Commission Payment
The ex-head of a company in the Upper Palatinate area is facing charges for supposedly making an unnecessary financial arrangement, primarily benefiting his companion. The 54-year-old is suspected of crafting a retroactive deal for a commission of approximately €230,000 for the delivery of 10 million surgical masks to the Health and Food Safety Office. However, the prosecution argues that the order would've been placed without extra intervention due to an existing mask contract.
Previous CEO and Partner under Fire for Perjury
A substantial portion of the payment is believed to have been channeled to the partner of the former CEO. Consequently, the former CEO is charged with embezzlement, while the man and his companion are each accused of abetment. Furthermore, both the former CEO and the other defendant are charged with providing false testimony under oath before the Mask Inquiry Committee of the Bavarian State Parliament in the autumn of 2022. After the committee concluded its work, the police and prosecution began investigating the trio in December 2022.
Suspects Refute Allegations
The three individuals under investigation have dismissed the accusations, with the presumption of innocence in effect until a final verdict. If found guilty, the funds from the commission payment could be recovered. To ensure this, the investigators have reportedly seized relevant assets, as stated by their own account. The Regional Court in Regensburg will now determine if the case moves forward to trial.
The commission payment under scrutiny was meant for the delivery of surgical masks to the Health and Safety and Food Office, despite the prosecution's argument that the order would have been placed independently due to an existing contract. Following the Mask Inquiry Committee's findings, both the former CEO and his partner are accused of perjury in their testimonies before the committee, further complicating the health and safety-related case.
