German Railways (Deutsche Bahn) shut down its office in Athens due to a bribe scandal, German daily Sueddeutsche Zeitung reports on Tuesday. Citing investigation findings from the prosecutor’s office in Frankfurt, SD notes that “Deutsche Bahn subsidiary in Greece is said to have “diverted” 315,000 euro to bribe contract givers.” The ‘diverted money’ was given to secure contracts at the Athens Metro.
But, no worries. We are not the only ones who will miss Deutsche Bahn. DB has moved out also from other corruption-prone countries like Algeria, Libya, Rwanda and Thailand. Bribes have been given out over the past decade or even longer with the aim to get advice and secure contracts for railways projects.
Below some excerpt translated from Sueddeutsche Zeitung
German railway says goodbye to Greece
“For example, in Greece for the Metro, which connects the airport with the city, the harbor and the city of Corinth, 315,000 euros in cash have been diverted to bribe Greek authorities, according to investigation findings.
DB: It will never happen again
Deutsche Bahn has taken action and has dismissed more than 30 employees of Deutsche Bahn International: directors, project managers and so on. Among them the former DBI chief in Athens office. Numerous contracts with dubious consultants were terminated. The foreign offices may only have a maximum of 500 euros in cash converted into the local currency. Cash payments over EUR 100 are prohibited.
Gerd Becht Board, responsible for compliance and legal. “There were deep cuts and a general need for fresh start, ” said Gerd Becht, DB board member, responsible for Compliance & Law.
Lahnmayer Company
The Frankfurt office is investigating 37 suspects, almost all former DBI staff. The engineering company Lahmeyer from Bad Vilbel in Hesse, a partner company of the DB railway had to pay 600,000 euros fine. A Lahmeyer employee was involved in bribe scandal in Athens and received a fine of 30,000 euro.
Four other Lahmeyer employees escaped from serious fines as they supported the prosecutor’s investigation.less serious. None of them still works for Lahmeyer. The transportation division was disbanded in 2011. New structures and more controls will be implemented to prevent this from happening again.
Deutsche Bahn sued ten former DBI employees responsible for damages. “
Do not ask stupid questions about the name of those Greek officials who received the 315,000 euro. It’s pure German propaganda ( lol)
KTG bows with respect to the sincere efforts of Deutsche Bahn to make a fresh start – and possibly bribe per credit card, per check or even a donation of a small property abroad, luxury vacations or whatever.
Where there is will, there is a way. Ask a Greek.
PS What? Are there are more German companies giving bribes besides SIEMENS and Ferrostahl?
