White-Collar Crime (Economic Criminal Law) – Strong Defense Against Economic Offenses

White-collar crime law (Wirtschaftsstrafrecht) is one of the most complex and sensitive areas of criminal law. Proceedings in this field often affect business owners, executives, professionals, or employees accused of violating economic or financial regulations.

For those affected, allegations of economic crimes are not only a legal challenge but also a personal and professional burden. Severe fines, prison sentences, loss of livelihood, and serious reputational damage are common risks.

As a criminal defense lawyer with extensive experience in economic criminal law, I represent you nationwide – from the first summons through investigations to trial and all appellate stages.

Table of Contents

What is white-collar crime law?

White-collar crime law includes all criminal provisions designed to safeguard the lawful functioning of the economy. Unlike traditional criminal law, which primarily protects individual rights such as life, health, and property, economic criminal law protects the public’s trust in the proper functioning of markets and business practices.

Many relevant provisions are not part of the German Penal Code (StGB) but are contained in special laws, such as:

  • Banking Act (KWG)
  • Securities Trading Act (WpHG)
  • Stock Corporation Act (AktG)
  • Insolvency Act (InsO)
  • Foreign Trade Act (AWG)
  • Money Laundering Act (GwG)

Tax law provisions (e.g., tax evasion) and competition law violations also play a central role.

Typical offenses in white-collar crime

Common offenses include:

  • Fraud (§ 263 StGB) – e.g., subsidy fraud, credit fraud, insurance fraud
  • Breach of trust (§ 266 StGB) – e.g., violations of duties by directors or officers
  • Insolvency offenses (§§ 283 ff. StGB) – bankruptcy, favoritism of creditors or debtors
  • Corruption offenses (§§ 299 ff. StGB) – bribery and corruption in business transactions
  • Tax evasion (§ 370 AO)
  • Competition violations – e.g., unfair competition
  • Money laundering (§ 261 StGB)
  • Investment fraud (§ 264a StGB)
  • Accounting offenses (§§ 331 ff. HGB, § 400 AktG)
  • Violations of foreign trade law
  • Violations of the Banking Act
  • Cartel law violations
  • Failure to comply with bookkeeping and disclosure duties

In practice, multiple offenses often overlap. Complex corporate structures, international transactions, and multiple defendants make these cases particularly challenging.

Stages of proceedings

Proceedings follow the general structure of criminal procedure but involve unique challenges:

  1. Initial suspicion & investigation

    • Often triggered by regulatory agencies, banks, or competitors.
    • First signs may include requests for information, tax inquiries, or search warrants.
    • Investigations usually involve large volumes of documents, financial data, and digital records.

  2. Search & seizure

    • Offices and private homes may be raided.
    • Files, computers, and business correspondence can be seized.
    • It is crucial not to make spontaneous statements – seek immediate legal advice.

  3. Interrogations & witness questioning

    • Extensive witness examinations and sometimes covert investigations are common.

  4. Intermediate proceedings

    • The prosecutor decides whether to bring charges.

  5. Main trial

    • Public hearings often lasting days or weeks due to extensive evidence.

  6. Appeals

    • Convictions may be challenged by appeal or revision.

Special issues: compliance violations and corporate liability

Key questions often include:

  • Did the company have an effective compliance system?
  • Were supervisory duties breached?
  • Was there organizational fault?

A functioning compliance system may prevent proceedings or at least mitigate penalties.

Liability risks for directors and executives

Executives face heightened responsibilities. Typical pitfalls include:

  • Failure to meet disclosure duties
  • Late filing for insolvency
  • Faulty accounting
  • Violations of tax obligations
  • Inadequate anti-money laundering measures

Even allegations alone can be career-threatening. Strategic defense is therefore essential.

International aspects and cross-border investigations

Many cases involve international elements, such as:

  • Foreign accounts
  • Third-country suppliers
  • Multinational corporate structures

Authorities often cooperate across borders. Risks include:

  • Investigations by Europol, Interpol, or foreign prosecutors
  • International legal assistance requests
  • Arrest warrants and extradition proceedings

A defense lawyer must check procedural safeguards and coordinate international strategies carefully.

Why you need a specialized defense lawyer

White-collar cases require more than legal knowledge – they demand:

  • Understanding of business structures
  • Economic and financial literacy
  • Familiarity with tax and accounting principles
  • Experience handling large volumes of evidence
  • Negotiation skills with regulators and courts

I guarantee discretion, professionalism, and commitment at every stage.

My services in white-collar defense

I provide:

  • Defense in all white-collar crime cases
  • Review and challenge of search and arrest warrants
  • Representation in interrogations and hearings
  • Strategic negotiations with authorities
  • Coordination with tax advisors, auditors, and in-house counsel
  • Representation before all German criminal courts
  • Defense in international cases and extradition matters
  • Advice on compliance and risk prevention

My goal is always a swift, discreet, and sustainable solution – ideally, dismissal of proceedings.

Defense with foresight and balance

Effective defense means:

  • Sensitive communication with investigators
  • Protection of your reputation
  • Safeguarding your business future
  • Clear strategies instead of rushed reactions

I analyze your case thoroughly, assess risks and opportunities openly, and develop a tailored defense strategy.

Contact

Are you or your company under investigation? Have your offices been searched, or accounts frozen?

Don’t wait – seek legal advice immediately. The earlier I am involved, the greater the options for defense.

📞 Phone: +49 172 8974716
✉️ Email: beisel@duckscheer.de

I provide nationwide representation with expertise, discretion, and dedication.

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