Around 300,000 returnable deposit crates were seized as stolen goods during a major raid in Berlin. Two brothers are suspected of having bought and resold the crates commercially.
In the capital city of Berlin, investigators from the State Office of Criminal Investigation, in cooperation with the police academy, have carried out an extensive raid on suspicion of commercial handling of returnable deposit boxes. The operation, which was focussed on two company addresses in Tempelhof and two flats in Tempelhof and Kreuzberg, led to the seizure of over 8,000 deposit boxes and the confiscation of around 950,000 euros in cash.
Background to the investigations
The investigation was led by the Berlin public prosecutor's office and was directed against two brothers aged 51 and 56. They are suspected of having bought and resold around 300,000 returnable transport crates as stolen goods. These crates are an essential part of a deposit system that is widely used in the food trade, particularly for the transport of fruit and vegetables. A deposit of between 3.50 euros and 3.86 euros is refunded per crate, which means that the alleged total loss amounts to around 841,000 euros.
Extensive seizures and confiscations
During the searches, not only were the deposit boxes seized, but also numerous data carriers and mobile phones, which are now being analysed in order to clarify the whereabouts of the missing boxes. Investigators also found boxes from around 30 other potentially victimised companies in the suspects' business premises, which led to the initiation of further investigations.
Impact on the industry
The case highlights the challenges associated with the management of returnable deposit systems. These systems rely on all parties involved - from the retailer to the end consumer - returning the crates properly and not allowing them to flow into the illegal trade. The loss of deposit crates not only represents a financial loss, but can also affect logistics and the smooth running of retail operations.
Ongoing investigations
The investigation is still ongoing and the authorities are working to gather further clues as to the whereabouts of the missing boxes. The seizure of the data carriers and mobile phones could provide crucial information. The Berlin police emphasise the importance of cooperation with the companies concerned in order to limit the damage and bring those responsible to justice.
The case shows how vulnerable deposit systems can be to criminal activity and emphasises the need to continuously monitor and secure these systems. The packaging industry may need to take measures to increase the traceability and security of returnable crates to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Source: Police Berlin
