Current media reports: Prokon classifies a fraud case from some time ago
In recent weeks, various media outlets have reported on a case of fraud in which Prokon itself was the victim. The starting point was an investigative report by the *Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung*, which has since been picked up by other media outlets and specialist news portals.
The underlying incident dates back more than two years. The current reporting is linked to the forthcoming criminal proceedings.
As we are receiving questions about this from members, interested parties and other stakeholders, we would like to explain the key background and provide transparent context for the situation.
The most important facts at a glance
✅ The matter dates back more than two years.
✅ Prokon is itself the injured party in these proceedings.
✅ Prokon identified the irregularities itself, investigated the matter and filed a criminal complaint.
✅ Existing wind and solar parks, as well as projects that have already been approved, are not affected.
✅ Based on current knowledge, the financial damage is limited.
✅ Prokon has further developed its review and control mechanisms.
Why is Prokon only informing now?
The matter was identified at the beginning of 2024 and was initially dealt with internally. In parallel, a criminal complaint was filed and civil claims were asserted.
As the case was the subject of ongoing investigations and court proceedings, Prokon initially did not communicate the matter publicly. With the current reporting and the forthcoming criminal trial, it has now become public.
What happened?
Prokon is the injured party in these proceedings. The irregularities were not discovered from outside. Rather, Prokon identified them as part of its own internal reviews, thoroughly investigated the matter, filed a criminal complaint and also initiated civil proceedings.
To the best of our current knowledge, an independent land agent who was working for Prokon in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania forged or falsified project documents, land agreements and other papers over a prolonged period in order to create the impression that land had been secured exclusively for Prokon.
The suspicion was strengthened after Prokon encountered inconsistencies when making direct contact with a purported landowner. All related matters were then reviewed, a criminal complaint was filed and civil proceedings were also initiated. Since then, Prokon has been supporting the competent investigating authorities.
Why was the alleged fraudulent activity not recognised immediately?
Like many project developers, Prokon also works with locally networked land brokers in the early phases of project development. This cooperation is standard in the industry and, in the vast majority of cases, runs professionally, reliably and successfully.
As far as we are aware today, the accused deliberately used the existing structures over a prolonged period for his deception.
The documents submitted and other related actions initially created a plausible overall impression. It was only when Prokon came across inconsistencies during its own checks that all matters handled by the land broker were reviewed in full, the facts were investigated, and a criminal complaint was filed.
What impact does the case have on Prokon?
The economic damage to Prokon is, on the basis of current knowledge, manageable. Prokon is pursuing existing claims for damages consistently. The affected site potentials were at a very early stage of project development only, and could therefore not be taken over into the project pipeline.
Existing wind and solar parks, already approved projects, as well as contracts with landowners are not affected by this. The cooperative’s current project development is also not impaired by this isolated case.
Which consequences has Prokon drawn?
The case has made clear how important effective audit and control mechanisms are in project development. At the same time, it has shown that the internal audit processes ultimately worked: it was not third parties, but Prokon itself that identified the irregularities, investigated the matter, filed a criminal complaint and thereby initiated the criminal investigation.
Regardless of this, we have further developed our audit and control mechanisms in order to be able to identify and prevent comparable manipulations even earlier in future.
What does this mean for our members?
The matter currently being discussed publicly dates back more than two years.
In these proceedings, Prokon itself is the injured party. Based on what is known at present, the financial damage is manageable. The affected areas were all at a very early stage of project development. There are no effects on existing wind and solar parks, projects that have already been approved, or the economic development of the cooperative.
We will continue to support the responsible investigative and judicial authorities in clarifying the matter and would also ask for understanding that, in light of the ongoing criminal proceedings, we will not comment further on specific details or third parties involved.
Our focus remains unchanged on driving forward the energy transition together with our members. To that end, we are developing new wind and solar projects nationwide, continuously securing additional land potential, and steadily improving our processes.