Former German Supermarket Manager Suspected of Forging 2,299 Deposit Vouchers Worth €230,000
A 37-year-old former supermarket employee in Waldshut-Tiengen, southern Germany, is suspected of forging deposit vouchers over several years to pocket approximately €230,000, NOS reported, citing German media.
The fraud came to light when the supermarket conducted its annual inventory. The man, who began as an intern and rose to manager with responsibility for the bottle return machines, allegedly submitted 2,299 false deposit vouchers. Each voucher paid out between €90 and €100, sometimes in quick succession, requiring between 360 and 1,200 deposit bottles per voucher depending on the bottle type.
Admission in Court, Disputed Amount
The suspect admitted in court to stealing money but disputed the total, claiming he cashed no more than €45,000 in deposit vouchers. The supermarket initially chose not to pursue criminal charges and instead had the man sign a confession of debt, agreeing that he would repay the stolen amount in installments. The case reached court only after he became unemployed and stopped making payments. In court, the man stated he signed the confession only because he was pressured by his superiors.
Lifestyle Raised Suspicion
His former employer testified in court that the suspect’s lifestyle did not match his salary. He reportedly bought expensive watches and a new car, and frequently attended football matches.
Supermarket Limits Deposit Returns to €5
As a direct consequence of the fraud, the supermarket now caps deposit returns at a maximum of €5 per transaction.
Inventory Reveals Fraudulent Deposit Vouchers
How was the deposit voucher fraud discovered?
The supermarket discovered the forgery during its annual inventory in Waldshut-Tiengen.
How much does the suspect admit to stealing?
While admitting to theft, he claims the total was no more than €45,000, far below the €230,000 alleged by prosecutors.
What changed for customers at the supermarket?
The store now limits deposit bottle returns to a maximum of €5 per transaction.
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