Audit Clears BLB Employees in North Rhine-Westphalia Chancellery Renovation Scandal

Deloitte finds no evidence of bribery but highlights external pressures, procedural flaws, and soaring costs in the €72.2 million project.

A Deloitte audit report found no evidence of bribery or intentional misconduct by BLB employees during the renovation of the North Rhine-Westphalia State Chancellery.
The State Prosecutor continues to investigate seven individuals, including four BLB employees, for allegations of bribery, fraud, and other offenses.
Former Minister-President Armin Laschet's request for a specific architect bypassed standard procurement procedures, creating procedural irregularities.
Renovation costs increased by 67%, reaching €72.2 million, due to changing requirements, the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war, and inflation.
BLB employees faced significant external pressure to prioritize the renovation, leading to operational strain and administrative shortcuts.