# German teacher sick leave fraud investigation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-teacher-sick-leave-fraud-investigation
> Updated: 2026-10-27T11:28:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

A teacher in North Rhine-Westphalia has come under scrutiny for allegedly receiving approximately 1 million euros in salary while on long-term sick leave for nearly 17 years. Having filed for leave due to psychological issues in 2009, the educator continued to receive monthly payments between 5,051 and 6,174 euros by submitting medical certificates. Investigations suggested the teacher may have been practicing as an unlicensed healer and even received a startup award for a skincare product during her absence.

Following these revelations, the Duisburg public prosecutor's office filed charges for fraud and forgery of documents. While initial reports estimated total payments at 1 million euros, the current indictment specifically covers the period from March 2021 to March 2025, as earlier allegations expired under the statute of limitations. The teacher is accused of wrongfully receiving approximately 248,000 euros during this timeframe. Additionally, she faces forgery charges for allegedly using a non-existent doctor's name to obtain diving medical certificates.

## Claims

- The Duisburg public prosecutor's office has filed charges against a teacher from Wesel. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The teacher is accused of wrongfully receiving approximately 248,000 euros. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The teacher has not taught since 2009. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The indictment covers the period between March 2021 and March 2025. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The teacher allegedly issued two diving medical certificates under a false name. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- A disciplinary proceeding has been opened against a staff member of the Düsseldorf district government. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Duisburg prosecutor charges teacher with fraud and forgery

A teacher from Wesel, Germany, faces charges of fraud and forgery after allegedly receiving 248,000 euros in salary while on long-term sick leave since 2009.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/duisburg-prosecutor-charges-teacher-with-fraud-and-forgery

### 2026-09-27: German teacher receives 1 million euros in salary during 17-year sick leave

A German teacher in North Rhine-Westphalia received approximately 1 million euros in salary over 17 years while on sick leave, amid allegations of practicing medicine without a license.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-teacher-receives-1-million-euros-in-salary-during-17-year-sick-leave

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Cite as: German teacher sick leave fraud investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-teacher-sick-leave-fraud-investigation