German State Secretary Defends Against Fraud Claims in €430,000 Mask Deal – Breaking News
Schwerin, Germany – September 24, 2025 – Wolfgang Schmülling, State Secretary in the Ministry of the Interior of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, is fighting back against accusations of fraud related to the handling of funds allocated for COVID-19 protective masks. The allegations center around claims that the state failed to invoice certain districts for mask purchases, allowing claims to expire, resulting in a loss of €430,000. This is a developing story with significant implications for German politics and public trust. This breaking news story is optimized for Google News and SEO to ensure rapid indexing and visibility.
Police Raid and Allegations of ‘Aid to Infidelity’
Last week, investigators, supported by police officers from Brandenburg, searched Schmülling’s office. The core accusation is “aid to infidelity,” suggesting a deliberate failure to pursue outstanding payments. The investigation, which began in March, gained momentum with a search warrant issued by the Schwerin district court on May 23rd. The timing of this scandal, just weeks before Schmülling’s 70th birthday, adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Defense Claims No Financial Loss, Criticizes Investigation
Schmülling’s Berlin-based lawyer has vehemently denied the allegations, arguing that no actual financial loss occurred, as the state would have ultimately borne the costs. The legal team also questions the statute of limitations on the claims, suggesting they were still valid. More pointedly, the lawyer criticized the police raid as “exaggerated,” stating that investigators didn’t even request the documents voluntarily before resorting to seizing computers. This raises questions about the proportionality of the investigation and whether it was conducted with due consideration for the functioning of the Ministry.
Expanding Investigation: Police Chiefs Also Under Scrutiny
The scope of the investigation extends beyond Schmülling. Investigators are also examining the actions of top police officers who were previously promoted by the State Secretary. This suggests a potential pattern of favoritism or improper influence within the Ministry of the Interior. The interconnectedness of these investigations is raising concerns about systemic issues within the state government.
Counter-Accusations: Lawyer Accuses Investigators of ‘Non-Procedural Purposes’
In a surprising turn, Schmülling’s lawyer has launched a counter-offensive, accusing the public prosecutor’s office of pursuing “non-procedural purposes.” While the specifics remain vague, this claim aims to cast doubt on the integrity of the investigation and suggest a politically motivated agenda. This tactic, while risky, highlights the high stakes involved and the potential for a protracted legal battle.
Public Prosecutor Defends Investigative Approach
The Schwerin public prosecutor’s office has responded with measured restraint, acknowledging the delay in executing the search warrant. A spokesperson explained that the delay was necessary to secure an external police authority to avoid potential conflicts of interest within the state’s police force. This careful approach underscores the sensitivity of the case and the need to maintain the impartiality of the investigation.
Internal Ministry Note Fuels Investigation
The investigation is further bolstered by an internal note from the Interior Ministry detailing the statute of limitations for these types of claims. Investigators believe Schmülling was aware of these limitations, suggesting a deliberate attempt to avoid pursuing the outstanding payments. Andreas Walus, the head of the State Office for Police Technology, Fire and Disaster Protection, is also under investigation for allegedly procuring the masks without proper invoicing.
Disagreement Over Financial Impact
The public prosecutor’s office firmly rejects Schmülling’s claim that the state suffered no financial loss. They argue that the financial standing of the affected counties must be considered separately from the state’s assets. This distinction is crucial to establishing the element of financial harm, a key component of the fraud allegations.
Political Fallout and Parliamentary Scrutiny
The scandal is already reverberating through the political landscape. The case is scheduled to be discussed in both the interior and legal committees of the state parliament this week. The CDU parliamentary group has requested a report from the Ministry of Justice, signaling a desire for greater transparency and accountability. Meanwhile, Minister Christian Pegel (SPD) has assured a return to “usual promotion procedures” and expressed hope for clarity regarding the police chiefs involved.
Police Representation Distances Itself
Adding to the turmoil, the representation of the approximately 6,000 police officers in the state has publicly distanced itself from the actions of State Secretary Schmülling, signaling a lack of confidence in his leadership. This is a significant development, as it demonstrates a breakdown in trust between the political leadership and the law enforcement community.
This unfolding situation highlights the critical importance of transparency and accountability in government procurement, particularly during times of crisis. The allegations against Schmülling, if proven, could have far-reaching consequences for his career and for the reputation of the state government. As the investigation continues, Archyde.com will provide ongoing coverage and analysis of this developing story, keeping you informed with the latest updates and insights. Stay tuned for further developments and expert commentary on the implications of this scandal for German politics and beyond.
