ICharges have been brought against seven members of a large family in the “Clan Villa Leverkusen” proceedings. The allegations of the public prosecutor’s office in Düsseldorf include, among other things, commercial and gang fraud, money laundering through the financing of the clan villa, extortionate kidnapping, forced labor, hostage-taking, aggravated robbery, dangerous bodily harm, tax evasion and multiple extortion.
In addition, the confiscation of at least 340,000 euros and the villa as an object of the crime were requested. The value of the villa is estimated at one million euros.
NRW Minister of Justice Peter Biesenbach (CDU) told the German Press Agency on Monday: “The indictment accuses the accused of serious crimes. The kidnapping alone is punishable by at least five years imprisonment. Crime shouldn’t pay. Not only do we want to bring suspected perpetrators to justice, we also want to give them money. The confiscation of the villa and other assets has been applied for. Law enforcement agencies are always watching this aspect.”
According to the public prosecutor’s office, the damage caused by social benefit fraud alone amounts to around 450,000 euros. Three of the accused remain in custody. The arrest warrants for two other suspects were suspended against conditions.