By Karin Hendrich
When her partner left her, a world collapsed for Christin C. (name changed, 51). With devastating consequences. She was tried on Tuesday.
In her fear of loneliness, an employee of a health insurance company fled to the internet. Gambled all night, blew real money online for some virtual luck. Money she didn’t have and diverted from her employer…
She was now before the district court for computer fraud and breach of trust. “I would like to apologize. I have made a big mistake.”
In August 2017, she forwarded a payment order for almost 4,000 euros for a fictitious abortion to financial accounting on the office computer for the first time. She didn’t mention that there was no bill at all. The money was in the account two days later. “I was shocked. Even considered paying it back. But then unfortunately continued.”
Money poured into her account 40 times in just over two years: a total of 145,000 euros.
“Playing was a gradual process. Sometimes I only slept for an hour at night and then I’m back to work.” Was she afraid of being caught? “Every day.” But nothing happened. At first, not even when she changed employers.
Only two years (!) later, during an inspection by the responsible office, did the criminal activities come to light.
The defendant: “One day when I came home, there was a thick envelope in the mailbox.” A house search followed.
With no criminal record, confessed and repented, Christin C. got off with a year and ten months probation. The judge: “In a personal crisis, you fell victim to the online game and fled to an unreal world.”