Corruption - Corruption and bribery in Berlin - shedding light on the dark field
Possible corruption and bribery cases at Berlin authorities should be examined in Berlin. The Senatsinnenverwaltung is currently working on a "Corruption Situation Report" for the year 2023. The goal is to present this still in the current year, said Innenstaatssekretär Christian Hochgrebe in the Interior Committee of the Berlin Abgeordnetenhaus. In order to better illuminate the strong dark field, it was thought about a yearly report.
It is important to keep an eye on developments and specific focal points over a longer period and to take appropriate measures, it was said regarding this from the Police Union (GdP).
First Situation Report in 2022
In January, the Senatsinnenverwaltung and the Police presented the first "Corruption Situation Report". This went about the cases of corruption fighting in the year 2022. According to the report, corruption and bribery in Berlin often occurred in the field of prisons and justice.
A total of 48 investigation complexes were recorded, with a focus on bribery with 27 cases. There were also cases of favoritism and favoritism and extortion.
Discovered cases make up only a tiny fraction of reality
At the same time, it was noted in the report that the discovered cases only make up a tiny fraction of reality and that the field of undiscovered corruption is huge. None of the parties involved in a bribery case had an interest in exposure. Therefore, there is hardly any risk for the perpetrators, because the damage is often not noticed. Even corruption discovered in companies or authorities is often not reported.
- The Police Union (GdP) emphasized the importance of regularly examining possible corruption and bribery cases in various administrative sectors, including the Police and Justice departments, to ensure accountability and uphold the principles of justice.
- During a recent press conference, the Berlin Police revealed that they had received multiple reports of potential car-related incidents involving bribery, raising concerns about the Administration's integrity and adherence to the law.
- In an attempt to combat corruption and bribery, the German Federal Police and Berlin authorities have launched an initiative to enhance educational programs for officials, providing training on the use of cell phones and electronic communication, setting clear guidelines on ethical conduct.
- While presenting the "Corruption Situation Report" for 2022, Berlin's Senatsinnenverwaltung mentioned an instance of a high-ranking official who sought to exploit their position in Berlin's Justice Administration by using dark field tactics to engage in bribery and abuse their power.
- Berlin's anti-corruption task force has launched an investigation into allegations of bribery involving top officials in the city's Car Administration, with evidence appearing to suggest that the corruption extended to several high-level positions.
