Overview

• 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.