Subsidy fraud

A subsidy, as defined in Section 264 of the German Criminal Code (StGB), is a benefit from public funds provided to businesses and companies that is (at least partially) granted without market-based consideration and is intended to promote the economy. Subsidy fraud also includes emergency Corona aid or unjustifiably applied for short-time work benefits. Therefore, the investigating authorities expect the number of proceedings in this area to increase exponentially in the coming years.

Subsidy fraud differs from fraud in that it constitutes a criminal offense even if the subsidy was never granted and the grantor suffered no damage. It is sufficient that the awarding authority was deceived. Therefore, it is extremely important that you are defended early on.