Corrupt immigration office: maximum penalty for bribery in Lüneburg

Corrupt immigration office: maximum penalty for bribery in Lüneburg

On July 10th, 2025, a sensational judgment was made at the Lüneburg district court against a former employee of the immigration office in Lüchow-Dannenberg and an accomplice. In a case of massive bribery, both the 31-year-old ex-skilled worker and his 32-year-old co-accused were sentenced to long-term imprisonment. While the clerk received six years and six months, his accomplice, who has already served a seven and a half year imprisonment, has to prepare for a total of nine years. As reported [NDR] (https://www.ndr.de/niederrichten/niedersachsen/lueneburg_Heide_untereln/urteil-hohe-hah- after-best-to-best-in-auslaherde-behoerde, corruption-130.html), the deeds of the two seem particularly serious, since they affect the allocation of residence titles and offices.

The presiding judge pointed out the serious violation of official and service obligations. The ex-employee had illegally issued certificates and concealed claims, while his co-accused organized payments and provided incorrect documents such as passports and incorrect residence permits. In total, the two generated around 154,000 euros through their criminal procedure, with the usual tariff for a permit was around 15,000 euros. The method in which customers were spent as Ukrainian refugees was particularly perfidious. This was done in order to illegally give residence permits, such as the Landeszeitung produces.

roles and motivations

The ex-ski worker reacted to court in court and put a burden on his accomplices. His defender even questioned whether he was really the main perpetrator. However, it is difficult to support this reasoning, especially since the court of WhatsApp messages and notes presented to his income that further reinforced his guilt. The co-accused, on the other hand, was confident and contributed to the clarification of the case, and it was made clear that in this constellation of the ex-employee there was brilliant, while the co-accused only provided aid.

The court unequivocally made it clear that the sale of citizenships is a serious abuse of office, which not only puts the authorities in a bad light, but also significantly damages the trust of citizens into the integrity of public offices. Corruption in public administration not only means financial losses, but also underlines deeper intangible dimensions, such as BKA: The confidence of the citizens in the state suffers significantly.

determination and pronouncement of judgment

The investigation against the two men began at the end of 2022, as references to the illegal practices in the immigration office. It was the resentment of applicants about delayed processes that caused the first suspicion. In May 2023, investigators finally searched offices and apartments to clarify the allegations of corruption.

Although the judgment is not yet final and the defense is planning a revision, the judgment in the minds of the former colleagues of the ex-cup worker does not remain without effects. They expressed satisfaction with the legal decision and emphasized the loss of confidence that this procedure left in the authority. A clear indication that transparent and fairness are essential in public administration.