# Mönchengladbach real estate fraud trial and conviction > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/mnchengladbach-real-estate-fraud-trial-and-conviction > Updated: 2026-08-12T16:14:38.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2. A trial began at the Mönchengladbach District Court regarding a suspected real estate fraud involving a single-family home in Hückelhoven. Prosecutors alleged that Stefan and Beate W. signed a contract for a property valued at 745,000 euros but failed to pay the majority of the purchase price. It was alleged that the husband misrepresented himself as a wealthy businessman to deceive the seller, realtor, and notary. The defendants denied the charges, claiming that non-payment was due to significant building defects, such as a broken underfloor heating system and a cable fire. Following the trial, the court convicted the couple for the deceptive transaction. The couple had occupied the 240-square-meter house for over a year without completing the payment. The husband, who claimed to be a millionaire during the proceedings, received a 22-month prison sentence. The wife was sentenced to ten months of probation, and the court ordered the seizure of 27,888 euros from the defendants. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-12: Mönchengladbach court sentences couple for real estate fraud A German court sentenced a couple for fraud after they occupied a 745,000-euro house in Hückelhoven without paying the full purchase price. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mnchengladbach-court-sentences-couple-for-real-estate-fraud ### 2026-08-07: Mönchengladbach court begins trial over suspected 745,000-euro real estate fraud A couple faces trial in Mönchengladbach for alleged real estate fraud involving a 745,000-euro house in Hückelhoven, after failing to pay the purchase price after an initial deposit. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/impostor-handymen-steal-thousands-from-couple-in-soest-germany --- Cite as: Mönchengladbach real estate fraud trial and conviction. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/mnchengladbach-real-estate-fraud-trial-and-conviction