German police investigating former Vestas employees for fraud

Executives suspected of using their positions for personal gain

Some former senior executives of Vestas's German subsidiary, Vestas Deutschland GmbH, are suspected of helping themselves to inflated wages and kickbacks for personal gain.

Following a six-year-long investigation, German police have brought fraud charges against six people.

"The prosecutor’s office in Kiel has launched a criminal investigation of suspected fraud and aiding and abetting fraud against Vestas Deutschland by former senior executives and business owners,” prosecutor Manfred Schulze-Ziffer told Finans. “We have searched eight locations in Schleswig-Holstein and Berlin.”

Private deals
The searches were conducted in September. These are the first charges that have been filed against former Vestas executives.

The former executives are accused, among other charges, of using their positions at the company to make private side-deals in the wind turbine business, which is in direct violation of Vestas's corporate policy and Danish and German law.

Sources speculated that the accused were involved in suspicious transactions worth as much as 6.4 million kroner. Vestas has stated publicly in the past that the shady deals were conducted during the watch of European sales director Hans Jørn Rieks, who currently holds a senior management position at Vestas competitor Siemens Wind Power.

No charges in Denmark … yet
Rieks refused to answer any questions about the case, including whether or not he has been charged. Kiel also declined to name names. Similar charges are being investigated in Denmark, but Danish fraud investigators have yet to bring charges.

READ MORE: Vestas scandal continues to widen

Vestas declined to comment further on the case.




  • The international who shaped Copenhagen

    The international who shaped Copenhagen

    Anna Maria Indrio is one of the most important architects in Denmark, having contributed to shaping Copenhagen into what it is today. Among her best-known projects are the extension of SMK and Arken, as well as the Natural History Museum and the Darwin Centre in London. She moved here 60 years ago, when “Copenhagen was gray and dormant. Predictions suggested it would become depopulated. But putting people at the center changed everything,” she said

  • Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Danish government passes amendment to increase citizenship fee by 50%

    Fees were raised to reflect processing costs and curb repeat applications, creating debate over whether the new charges erect barriers to political participation for internationals.

  • Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    Internationals’ labour contributes 361 billion DKK to Denmark’s GDP, and it is growing strongly every year

    According to a report by the Danish Chamber of Commerce, internationals’ contribution is 12% of the country’s GDP. In 2023, it was 322 billion DKK, and in 2008, it was 136 billion DKK. “Internationals make a gigantic difference in our prosperity and welfare,” comments Morten Langager, the Director of Dansk Erhverv.

  • Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    Inside Denmark’s innovation engine

    With half of its staff being international, the BioInnovation Institute reflects Denmark’s broader transformation into a global innovation hub. But can the country—and Europe—keep up the pace? “If reforms are made now, we can close the gap in ten years,” explains BII’s CEO

  • Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Denmark launches massive investment in the navy

    Two months ago, the Danish PM announced that military equipment should be purchased in a hurry. The first plans for the sea are now ready. Additional plans for warships will follow this summer.

  • International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    International designers struggle to find jobs in Denmark

    Many internationals come to Denmark to work as designers, but the field appears to be one of the hardest to break into. The Copenhagen Post spoke with two internationals struggling to find their way into the industry.

Connect Club is your gateway to a vibrant programme of events and an international community in Denmark.