{"id":11962,"date":"2024-08-16T11:11:27","date_gmt":"2024-08-16T09:11:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stirnweiss-brenner.de\/subsidy-fraud-what-penalty-can-you-expect\/"},"modified":"2026-03-09T17:17:07","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T16:17:07","slug":"subsidy-fraud-what-penalty-can-you-expect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stirnweiss-brenner.de\/en\/guide\/subsidy-fraud-what-penalty-can-you-expect\/","title":{"rendered":"Subsidy fraud: What penalty can you expect?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"11962\" class=\"elementor elementor-11962 elementor-9009\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-13cec667 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"13cec667\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-e-type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-47a1b052\" data-id=\"47a1b052\" data-element_type=\"column\" data-e-type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3577dd59 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"3577dd59\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not only since the COVID-19 pandemic has <\/span><b>subsidy fraud<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> been on everyone\u2019s lips. False information in subsidy applications leads to the state wrongly paying out subsidies and, once discovered, initiating criminal proceedings. However, even those who make incorrect statements merely negligently can be accused of such an offence. <\/span> <\/p>\n<p><br><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subsidy fraud can have far-reaching consequences\u2014not only under criminal law. For defendants, their professional livelihood is often at stake. Anyone who appears to be defrauding the state is generally dealt with to the fullest extent of the law. But what <\/span><b>penalty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> applies to subsidy fraud? And what is the best way to defend yourself against this allegation? You can find out more in this article.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2314470 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2314470\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-43abdc5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"43abdc5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>Have you been accused?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> If you need legal assistance, it is best to rely on criminal-law support from an attorney or defence counsel. As experienced <\/span><b>criminal law attorneys<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and <\/span><b>defence counsel<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, we have already achieved early discontinuation of proceedings, reduced sentences, or acquittals for many clients. We will be pleased to represent you and provide comprehensive advice on a possible defence strategy. You are welcome to arrange an initial consultation with us at any time.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-ec060be elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"ec060be\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What constitutes a criminally punishable subsidy fraud? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anyone who unjustifiably obtains subsidies, or at least attempts to do so, is criminally liable for <\/span><b>subsidy fraud<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Under <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gesetze-im-internet.de\/stgb\/__264.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Section 264(1) of the German Criminal Code (StGB)<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, anyone is liable who <\/span> <\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>makes incorrect or incomplete statements about facts relevant to the subsidy to an authority responsible for granting a subsidy or to another body or person involved in the subsidy procedure (granting authority), for themselves or another, which are advantageous to them or the other person,<\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>uses earmarked<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> subsidies for other purposes, <\/span> <\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">conceals facts relevant to the subsidy<\/span><b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><\/b><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">uses a <\/span><b>subsidy certificate<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that is based on incorrect\/incomplete information. <\/span> <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2> <\/h2>\n<p><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">More about the particularly serious case of subsidy fraud and additional information on the criminal offense of subsidy fraud can be found in a dedicated article. This article will primarily focus on the potential penalties for subsidy fraud. <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What penalty applies to subsidy fraud? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anyone convicted of criminal subsidy fraud must expect a prison sentence of <\/span><b>up to 5 years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or a <\/span><b>fine<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. If the subsidy was paid out, it must of course be <\/span><b>repaid<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><b>items related to the offence<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may also be confiscated (Section 264(7) sentence 2 StGB). <\/span> <\/p>\n<h2> <\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In cases involving use of the subsidy contrary to the <\/span><b>restriction on use<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Section 264(1) no. 2 StGB), an <\/span><b>attempt<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is also punishable (para. 4). In addition, the offence under Section 264(1) nos. 1\u20133 may be committed <\/span><b>recklessly<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This carries a prison sentence of up to 3 years or a fine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In cases of attempt, a reduction of sentence is also possible (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gesetze-im-internet.de\/stgb\/__23.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Section 23(2) StGB<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). <\/span> <\/p>\n<h2> <\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In a <\/span><b>particularly serious case<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of subsidy fraud (Section 264(2) StGB), a prison sentence of between 6 months and 10 years may be imposed. A fine is generally already excluded in such cases. <\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Consequences under corporate law <\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to a criminal sanction, other serious consequences may also arise, in particular under <\/span><b>corporate law<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. For example, convicted persons may be prohibited from carrying out certain activities for a period <\/span><b>of 5 years<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> if they were sentenced to at least one year of imprisonment. <\/span> <\/p>\n<h2> <\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anyone convicted of subsidy fraud may, for example, <\/span><b>no longer serve as a managing director of a GmbH<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Existing positions in a GmbH must be relinquished. No separate order is required; the conviction alone is sufficient (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gesetze-im-internet.de\/gmbhg\/__6.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Section 6(2) no. 3e GmbHG<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). <\/span> <\/p>\n<h2> <\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Likewise, serving as a <\/span><b>member of the management board of a stock corporation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is prohibited for 5 years from the date such a judgment becomes final (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gesetze-im-internet.de\/aktg\/__76.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Section 76(3) no. 3e AktG<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). <\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trade and professional ban <\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A conviction for subsidy fraud may also be accompanied by a <\/span><b>ban on carrying on a trade or profession<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This follows not only from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gesetze-im-internet.de\/stgb\/__70.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Section 70 StGB<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, but also from the individual professional codes. Those particularly at risk include doctors, other healthcare professionals, lawyers, and tax advisers. <\/span> <\/p>\n<h2> <\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In particularly serious cases, a professional ban may also be imposed <\/span><b>for life<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. <\/span> <\/p>\n<h2> <\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A ban on carrying on a trade may be triggered by a conviction under Section 264 StGB (<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gesetze-im-internet.de\/gewo\/__35.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Section 35 GewO<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">). <\/span> <\/p>\n<h2> <\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Furthermore, the court may deprive the accused of the ability to <\/span><b>hold public office<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (Section 45(2) StGB). This particularly affects defendants who work in the public sector (e.g., teachers, judges, public prosecutors, police officers, and other civil servants). The <\/span><b>right to stand for election<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may also be withdrawn (Section 264(7) StGB). <\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For which subsidies is a penalty possible? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not all subsidies are covered by Section 264 StGB. As a rule, they must be <\/span><b>direct subsidies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> from public funds, meaning tax relief is not covered (this falls under the offence of tax evasion). The funds must be public funds from federal or state sources, or public funds of the European Union. <\/span> <\/p>\n<h2> <\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subsidies under federal or state law must also <\/span><b>promote the economy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and may not serve other purposes (e.g., social welfare). <\/span> <\/p>\n<h2> <\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition, there must be no <\/span><b>market-based consideration<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. This includes anything that is \u201ccheaper\u201d than the market price, such as an interest-free loan, grants, or the COVID-19 emergency aid.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2> <\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Due to the amendment of Section 264(<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/beck-online.beck.de\/?typ=reference&amp;y=100&amp;g=StGB&amp;p=264&amp;x=9\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">9<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">) no.<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/beck-online.beck.de\/?typ=reference&amp;y=100&amp;g=StGB&amp;p=264&amp;x=9&amp;n=2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 2<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> StGB, so-called pure contractual subsidies, which are particularly common in the EU and where there is no statutory provision and this is replaced by a contractual arrangement, are now also covered.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2941917 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"2941917\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a265a6c elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a265a6c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>Important<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Particularities apply here, especially under EU law. If EU public funds are involved, please speak separately with a lawyer to obtain binding advice. We will be pleased to assist you.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-96b6802 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"96b6802\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2> <\/h2>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How can a criminal defence lawyer help with an allegation of subsidy fraud? <\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Anyone accused of subsidy fraud should not take it lightly. Serious consequences may follow, which, in addition to a fine or imprisonment, may also include a professional ban and the <\/span><b>threat to one\u2019s livelihood<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Anyone accused of such an offence should therefore take action early to avert a conviction. <\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Subsidy applications are very complex, so even without intent it is easy to provide incorrect information and thus create the appearance of deception. However, this can also provide a strong <\/span><b>defence strategy<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a specialised lawyer. <\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is therefore all the more important to seek an <\/span><b>experienced criminal defence lawyer<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at an early stage. Together, we will review the documents and the allegation, apply for access to the case file, and discuss the next steps. This is how we develop an effective defence strategy for your specific case. <\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In the best-case scenario, this may already make <\/span><b>discontinuation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of the proceedings possible; however, an <\/span><b>acquittal<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> or a sentence of less than one year can also be good and realistic defence objectives\u2014depending on the circumstances of the individual case. <\/span> <\/p>\n<p> <\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For defendants, the following applies in all cases: Do not speak to the <\/span><b>police<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Make <\/span><b>no statement<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to the investigating authorities and <\/span><b>remain silent<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> regarding all allegations. If you have received a summons, do not comply with it; instead, contact an experienced criminal law firm to take on your case. <\/span> <\/p>\n<p><br><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If a <\/span><b>house search<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> takes place, you should behave cooperatively and ask to see the search warrant. Never actively assist with the search or hand over items or documents of your own accord. In such a case, please feel free to call our firm, as you have the right to defence counsel at all times.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-01d62a1 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"01d62a1\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bcfb6f5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bcfb6f5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p><b>Do you need legal assistance? <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We are here for you and will be pleased to support you at any time in your case. Please note our numbers so you can reach us as quickly as possible\u2014even in an emergency:<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0171f5f e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"0171f5f\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6f68a61 elementor-position-inline-start elementor-mobile-position-inline-start elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-box\" data-id=\"6f68a61\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<span  class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-mobile-alt\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-box-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span  >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEmergency number\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9d47f73 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"9d47f73\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"http:\/\/+49%20(0)711%20-%2084%2098%2077%200\">+49 (0)151 - 61 42 90 00 (24-hour emergency service)<\/a><\/span>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7689fba e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-child\" data-id=\"7689fba\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-84d808a elementor-position-inline-start elementor-mobile-position-inline-start elementor-view-default elementor-widget elementor-widget-icon-box\" data-id=\"84d808a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"icon-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-wrapper\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<span  class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-mobile-alt\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon-box-content\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-icon-box-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span  >\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tOffice \u2013 call us without obligation\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-5397d91 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"5397d91\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\"><a href=\"tel:+49%20(0)151%20-%2061%2042%2090%2000\">+49 (0)711 - 84 98 77 0<\/a><\/span>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Not only since the COVID-19 pandemic has subsidy fraud been on everyone\u2019s lips. False information in subsidy applications leads to the state wrongly paying out subsidies and, once discovered, initiating criminal proceedings. However, even those who make incorrect statements merely negligently can be accused of such an offence. Subsidy fraud can have far-reaching consequences\u2014not only [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":11963,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[73],"class_list":["post-11962","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guide","tag-guide"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Subsidy fraud: What penalty can you expect? - Stirnweiss | Brenner Rechtsanw\u00e4lte<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"How severe is the penalty for subsidy fraud? 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