Police Search Apartment Due to Fraud Allegations
On Thursday, May 22, 2025, police in the German state of Hesse searched the apartment of a 57-year-old sign language interpreter. The man is suspected of defrauding health insurance companies over a period of several years by submitting false invoices for interpreting services that allegedly never took place. The estimated financial damage exceeds one million euros.
The search was part of a large-scale criminal investigation led by two specialized authorities: the Central Public Prosecutor’s Office for Medical Economic Crimes (ZSMS) based in Fulda, and the Central Office for Medical Economic Crime (ZMWK) within the Hesse State Criminal Police Office (LKA). Both offices focus on crimes in the healthcare sector and often work closely on complex cases.
How Did the Alleged Fraud Work?
According to the current findings, the interpreter allegedly sent thousands of invoices to various health insurance providers since 2019, although the interpreting assignments never actually occurred. In total, authorities suspect around 3,500 fraudulent invoices, amounting to over one million euros.
To make these fake appointments appear credible, the man is accused of systematically forging or manipulating multiple documents, including:
- Doctor’s stamps, which were either counterfeited or used unlawfully, in order to make it seem like he had attended medical appointments.
- Service confirmation forms, which are normally used to confirm that interpreting services were provided—these too appear to have been forged.
- Signatures from Deaf individuals on so-called assignment of benefits forms, which allow interpreters to be paid directly by the insurance company. These forms were allegedly falsified by the interpreter himself.
Through this combination of forgery and deception, the interpreter allegedly created the false impression that the claimed interpreting services had been carried out—when in reality, they had not.
What Did the Police Find During the Search?
During the home search, investigators found extensive evidence to support the allegations. This includes:
- Invoices with incorrect or backdated information
- Various doctor’s stamps, suggesting widespread misuse of medical documentation
- Multiple mobile phones, believed to have been used to coordinate the fraudulent activities
- Approximately €2,000 in cash
- And valuable items worth about €40,000
These valuable items included gold coins, high-end wristwatches, art prints, and luxury handbags. These discoveries may indicate that the man illegally earned significant income over an extended period, likely through the alleged fraudulent billing scheme.
Who Is Leading the Investigation?
The case is being handled by two specialist units:
- Central Public Prosecutor’s Office for Medical Economic Crimes (ZSMS):
This office is exclusively responsible for investigating billing fraud, corruption, and economic crimes in the healthcare system. - Central Office for Medical Economic Crime (ZMWK) at the Hesse State Criminal Police Office (LKA):
This unit investigates medical fraud involving doctors, pharmacies, medical supply stores, therapists, opticians—and now, for the first time, sign language interpreters.
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Why Is This Case So Critical for the Deaf Community?
The case is not just legally significant—it also deeply affects public trust in the system of sign language interpreting. For many Deaf people, interpreters are essential for accessing doctors, government offices, schools, and everyday life. When this trust is damaged, there can be serious consequences:
- Health insurance providers may begin to tighten regulations or approve fewer services.
- Honest interpreters may fall under general suspicion.
- Deaf individuals may find it harder to get timely approval for interpreters.
- Growing uncertainty may arise over whether interpreting services will be approved or funded at all.
Already, many Deaf people report long waiting times, a lack of interpreter options, and confusing billing procedures. A fraud case like this only worsens the situation—even though the vast majority of interpreters perform their work responsibly.
What Happens Next?
The investigation is still in its early stages. Prosecutors are currently reviewing all seized evidence. A court trial will only take place if enough proof is gathered.
Whether the 57-year-old interpreter is actually guilty must be determined by an independent court. Until then, he is considered presumed innocent. In the meantime, the health insurance companies are reviewing ways to reclaim the wrongfully paid funds.
Conclusion
The suspected fraud involving a sign language interpreter in Hesse not only shakes the healthcare system, but also deeply undermines trust within the Deaf community. A potential loss of over one million euros raises serious questions about oversight, transparency, and fairness.
Picture: Malte Reimold auf Pixabay
