Scandal in the wastewater association: million-dollar fraud uncovered!

Scandal in the wastewater association: million-dollar fraud uncovered!

The sun may be rising in Uelzen, but new accusations against the wastewater association (AZV) are casting shadows. Specifically, it concerns four senior employees who were laid off. According to a report by NDR, they are suspected of embezzling funds over the years. The presumed period ranges from 2017 to 2025, and the sums are not to be sniffed at: In total, there are orders worth around 3.3 million euros. The allegations not only include the manipulation of orders, but also the direct awarding of them to a company without a tender.

But how did this massive embezzlement come about? The company in question is now the subject of public prosecutor's investigations. They commissioned manufacturing companies for pumping stations and a surcharge of around 30 percent of the actual price was systematically added to the invoices for the AZV. What is particularly explosive is that smaller orders that are worth less than 20,000 euros and are therefore not subject to the control of the city of Uelzen's audit office were used as a loophole to avoid tenders. This could have been a well-oiled system that worked well for years.

Investigations and defenses

The public prosecutor's office has already started investigations against the four employees. Among them is a member of the AZV management. One employee has now admitted the crimes, which doesn't make the situation any easier for the others. An ex-employee and a co-defendant are also said to have issued residence papers for money, which adds an additional dimension to the already explosive situation.

The fraud first became known to people in April 2025, many months after the machinations probably began. The discovery meant that all procurement decisions since then must be submitted to the Audit Office. The question remains: how far the involvement in management extends and whether the released employees personally benefited from the surcharges is also part of the ongoing investigations.

Importance for the region

The AZV Uelzen is not only responsible for the wastewater supply for the city of Uelzen, but also for the surrounding communities of Bevensen-Ebstorf and Suderburg. The incident could have far-reaching consequences for administration and citizens' trust in public institutions. The investigations are of great importance and could have serious consequences not only for those involved, but also for AZV's management.

It remains to be seen what further details will come to light and how the image of the organization will change in the coming weeks and months. One thing is certain, however: an important chapter in the history of the wastewater association is currently being written in Uelzen, and citizens urgently need information.