Ice hockey scandal in Memmingen: Ex-board member charged with fraud!

Ice hockey scandal in Memmingen: Ex-board member charged with fraud!

In a striking case of white-collar crime, the Augsburg public prosecutor's office has brought charges against the former board of the ECDC Memmingen ice hockey club. The accused faces serious allegations of breach of trust, forgery and fraud. In total, the 55-year-old former board member, who most recently held the position of treasurer of the Memmingen CSU district association, is said to have diverted around 342,000 euros from two clubs, a political party and a private individual through his machinations. The indictment is now before the Augsburg district court, which must now decide whether to admit the case to the main hearing, as [BR24](https://www.br.de/nachrichten/bayern/ Gelder-abgezweigt-ex-vereinsvorstand-aus-memmingen-angeklagt,UqdWDO4) reports.

The allegations should not be underestimated and cast a dark light on the club landscape in the region. While the investigation took about a year and put a lot of strain on the club's work, the accused's apartment was also searched and evidence was seized. According to AllgäuHit, several detectives and a public prosecutor were present when the search took place. It can be assumed that money flowed into the ex-official's private pocket, so that the damage to the ECDC Memmingen appears enormous.

Difficult times for the ice hockey club

Despite this imbalance, ECDC Memmingen managed to end last season successfully, even if the financial problems were noticeable due to irregularities in the club's treasury. An unexplained sum in the six-figure range set alarm bells ringing, which ultimately led to criminal charges. Board member Thomas Butzke expressed relief about the charges and hopes that the proceedings will be concluded quickly. There should already be contact with the injured party in order to initiate compensation for the damage.

If the charges are approved by the Augsburg district court, a trial could take place as early as autumn. The public prosecutor's office, which is responsible for economic crimes in the Allgäu, is investigating suspicions of breach of trust in more than 100 cases. Until then, the ex-board member remains innocent, as the presumption of innocence applies until a final conviction is made.

Economy and crime in trend

Economic crime remains a central issue in Germany. According to the Federal Criminal Police Office, around 38,900 economic crimes were recorded in 2023, which represents a decrease compared to the previous year. Nevertheless, the financial damage caused by such crimes amounts to around 2.7 billion euros. A common offense is fraud, with around 18,100 cases registered in 2023. The matter surrounding the ECDC Memmingen joins the list of such offenses and shows how important transparency and control are in the association's work in order to prevent abuse of trust and financial damage.

Many in the region are watching with interest to see how this case will develop - hopes for an early end and possible compensation for the damage remain.