Corona has also called many scammers onto the scene. In 2021, however, the number of subsidy fraud cases in connection with corona aid fell significantly, says the LKA. Still, the damage is significant.

Dusseldorf (dpa / lnw) - The number of cases of fraud with Corona aid has declined in the past year. The investigators counted a good 1,700 cases of subsidy fraud in this context last year, as the State Criminal Police Office announced on request. Compared to the previous year, this corresponds to a decrease of 41 percent: in 2020, almost 2,900 such crimes were recorded. The “West German Broadcasting” (WDR) had previously reported about it.

The LKA estimated the total damage from March 2020 to the end of 2021 at around 53 million euros. In the meantime, the application procedures have become much safer. Only tax consultants, lawyers or auditors can submit applications for federal corona aid for the companies concerned. In addition, a comparison with the Elster certificate of the financial administration is built in.