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Violations of criminal law →
Here you can report violations that are punishable by fine or imprisonment. Examples:
  • Bribery,
  • (subsidy) fraud,
  • embezzlement,
  • theft/misappropriation,
  • manipulation of business documents/financial statements ,
  • Sexual offenses (e.g. sexual harassment),
  • Environmental crimes or environmental damage (e.g., illegal waste disposal),
  • Tax evasion.
Violations of administrative offenses →
Here you can report violations punishable by fines that serve to protect life, limb or health or to protect the rights of employees or their representative bodies. Examples:
  • Data privacy violations,
  • violations of regulations on road traffic safety (e.g., driving license, deadlines for inspections, technical inspections and emissions testing, cargo securing, driving and rest periods, dangerous goods, etc.),
  • violations of behavioral principles at the workplace and human rights (e.g., violations of working hours or minimum wage regulations),
  • violations of Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (e.g., the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Workplace Regulations, or the Industrial Safety Regulations).
Other violations according to § 2 HinSchG →
Here you have the opportunity to submit a report for violations of other legal regulations mentioned in § 2 of the Whistleblower Protection Act. Some of these regulations may already be covered by the first two categories. Reports may relate to areas such as :
  • Money laundering and terrorist financing,
  • environmental protection,
  • public health,
  • violations of competition and antitrust law.
Violations against the law governing the legal profession →
Violations against the legal profession in Germany include actions that violate the professional duties of a lawyer. These duties are set out in the Federal Lawyers' Act (BRAO), the Professional Code of Conduct for Lawyers (BORA), the Lawyers' Fees Act (RVG) and other relevant laws and regulations. The main offences include

  • Breach of the duty of confidentiality:
    Lawyers are obliged to maintain confidentiality about all information that has been entrusted to them or made accessible to them in the course of their professional activities. The disclosure of confidential information without authorisation may lead to disciplinary measures.
  • Conflicts of interest: 
    Lawyers may not accept mandates where there is a conflict of interest. This means that they may not represent the interests of several clients if these conflict with each other.
  • Improper behaviour:
    This includes a wide range of behaviour, such as deception of courts or parties, unprofessional behaviour towards colleagues or violations of the rules of fair competition.
  • Violations of fee regulations: 
    The unauthorised charging of fees or non-compliance with the German Lawyers' Fees Act (RVG) also constitutes an infringement.
  • Duty to provide appropriate advice and representation: 
    Lawyers must advise and represent their clients to the best of their knowledge and belief. Negligence, lack of care or incompetence can be considered offences against professional law.
  • Breach of the duty to provide further training: 
    In some jurisdictions, lawyers are obliged to undergo regular further training in order to keep up to date with the latest legislation and case law. Failure to fulfil this obligation can lead to sanctions.
  • Failure to fulfil reporting and information obligations: 
    Lawyers must disclose certain information to their clients, the courts and, if applicable, the Bar Association in a timely and complete manner.