Corruption Scandal Emerges in Costly Renovation of NRW State Chancellery

Investigations reveal suspected bribery and fraud in an eight-year project that has already faced criticism for soaring costs and delays.

Authorities conducted over 40 raids across multiple cities in North Rhine-Westphalia, targeting the state-owned construction agency BLB and an architecture firm.
Seven individuals, including BLB employees and architects, are accused of manipulating contract awards and issuing inflated invoices.
The alleged corruption stems from the ongoing renovation of the State Chancellery’s lighting system, which has already exceeded €50 million in costs.
A whistleblower and internal audits initiated the investigation, with no arrests made so far as the suspects remain at large.
Opposition parties are demanding accountability from Minister-President Hendrik Wüst and questioning the failure of oversight mechanisms.