Germany has witnessed a significant surge in economic crime this year, according to data released Thursday by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA). A total of 61,358 economic offenses were recorded, marking a substantial 57.6% increase compared to the previous year.
The rise in reported cases is primarily attributed to a sharp increase in fraud (39,207 cases; a 116.7% increase) and healthcare billing fraud (20,553 cases; a staggering 847.6% increase). Authorities have indicated that a large-scale investigation conducted in Schleswig-Holstein, encompassing both these areas, was a key factor contributing to the data.
The total financial damage resulting from economic crime nationwide currently stands at €2.76 billion, representing a 2.9% increase year-on-year. Notably, while economic offenses constitute approximately 1% of all reported crimes, they are responsible for over a third of the overall financial losses.
Law enforcement agencies acknowledge the increasing complexity of investigations related to economic crime. The BKA emphasized the continued importance of consistent and thorough reporting of suspected offenses to expose criminal structures and ensure successful prosecutions. Continued vigilance and reporting remain vital to effectively combating these sophisticated schemes.
