Unauthorized Access to Proprietary Business Information
In a significant development, the Public Prosecutor's Office in Cologne is currently handling a case involving the violation of trade secrets. The investigation, which began early Thursday morning (31st July), saw simultaneous raids conducted on five residential properties and a business address in Cologne, Kerpen, and Mönchengladbach.
During the raids, data carriers, laptops, mobile phones, and various documents were seized. These items are currently being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
The suspects in the case are five former employees of a Cologne company specializing in sun and weather protection products. The employees named are 36, 45, 56 (twice), and 59 years old.
The suspects are accused of unauthorizedly copying internal company documents, particularly those related to product development. It is alleged that they used this information to establish a branch of a competing company in Cologne.
However, it is not clear at this point whether any legal action has been taken against the competing company established by the suspects. The founders of the competing company, if involved, have not been publicly named in available sources.
The Public Prosecutor's Office in Cologne is the contact point for further information regarding the case. Prosecutor Sinan Sengoez from the Public Prosecutor's Office Cologne can be reached for queries.
No further details about the progress of the investigation or any potential charges have been disclosed at this time. The Public Prosecutor's Office has emphasized that investigations into the case of the alleged trade secret violation are ongoing.
It is crucial to note that the accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This article aims to provide factual information about the ongoing investigation and does not aim to pass judgment on the individuals involved.
As the investigation continues, updates and further information will be released as they become available. Stay tuned for more on this developing story.
