Kempten Parking Inspector and Wife Arrested Over €1 Million Meter Theft
A municipal parking officer and his wife are accused of siphoning over €1 million from Kempten's parking meters, prompting a formal review of city procedures and safeguards.
In the southern German town of Kempten, a municipal parking officer and his wife were detained on suspicion of siphoning more than €1 million from public parking meters. Investigators say coins were regularly moved from meters into bank accounts the wife could access, triggering a formal probe into city finances.
Around 720 alleged theft incidents are cited, with a money-laundering alert from a financial institution prompting detectives to examine transactions. The arrests were carried out in the early hours of 24 November, and the couple remains in separate detention facilities as the inquiry continues.
Kempten Mayor Thomas Kiechle described the allegations as stunning and dismaying, and he ordered a commission to review past procedures, identify weaknesses, and implement reliable safeguards for the future. He also noted that names cannot be released while the probe is ongoing and privacy concerns apply.
In October, the public prosecutor's office was informed that cash deposits were repeatedly funneled into several bank accounts. After the arrests, officials said they would scrutinize internal controls and strengthen oversight across city services.
Kempten, one of Germany's oldest towns, sits in the Allgäu foothills in the south and is home to around 70,000 residents.
Key Takeaways
- Allegations involve more than €1 million and about 720 theft incidents from parking meters in Kempten.
- A money-laundering report triggered the investigation, leading to arrests on 24 November.
- The city aims to strengthen controls, review processes, and implement safeguards to prevent future thefts.
- The accused are in custody; names are withheld pending the investigation and privacy considerations.
Expert comment A criminology expert says cases like these underscore the need for routine audits and clear separation of duties in city services. They add that strong oversight and prompt investigations are key to deterring internal theft.
In summary, the case raises questions about internal controls in city operations and how swiftly authorities respond to suspicious cash movements. The investigation continues as prosecutors and police work to establish the facts and hold those responsible to account.
Key insight: When internal controls falter, municipal revenue can be vulnerable to theft; ongoing investigations and independent oversight are critical. BBC News