Procedure of the Internal Whistleblowing Office

Explanations

You can submit your message in writing, electronically, by telephone or via "SPRICH'S AN".

Confirmation of receipt to whistleblower

You will receive a confirmation of receipt from the Internal Whistleblowing Office after 7 days at the latest.

The Internal Whistleblowing Office checks whether the scope of application of Section 2 HinSchG is open. If the scope of application is not open, the Internal Whistleblowing Office checks whether other measures need to be taken.

If the report was not submitted anonymously, it may be necessary for the persons responsible for clarifying the facts of the case to contact the person making the report in order to fully clarify the facts of the case.

Examination of whether the facts reported by the whistleblower involve a violation of the law. If the examination is positive and there are no objective reasons to doubt the credibility of the facts reported or the credibility of the whistleblower, the report must be investigated or the reported facts must be clarified.

Possible follow-up measures:

• Internal investigations
• Referral to competent external bodies
• Close proceedings for lack of evidence or other reasons
• Referral to competent law enforcement agency for further investigation

Generally within 3 months, exceptions are possible see § 17 Para. 2 HinSchG (e.g. in the case of ongoing criminal proceedings).