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Whistleblower-Netzwerk e.V.
As Germany’s largest whistleblower support organization, Whistleblower-Netzwerk e.V. offers comprehensive assistance for corporate misconduct cases, with deep expertise in European and German whistleblowing legislation. They provide free legal advice, psychological support, and can connect whistleblowers with international networks when needed.
Topics
Jurisdiction
Germany
Fees
No Fees
Anonymous intake?
Yes
Overview
What kind of cases are you the right organization for?
Whistleblower-Netzwerk e.V. handles a variety of cases involving whistleblowers in Germany who expose misconduct, corruption, and other significant issues.
They are primarily focused on corporate misconduct and have deep expertise in the European Whistleblowing Directive as well as its German implementation.
Disclaimer: Whistleblower Netzwerk e.V. is the host organization of OAISIS.
Why should AI whistleblowers come to you?
Whistleblower-Netzwerk e.V. is the largest whistleblower support organization in Germany and should be your first point of arrival if your case has a German “element” to it. They stand out due to several features:
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Focus on German Legislation: They are deeply involved in advocating for robust whistleblower protection laws in Germany, ensuring that both national and EU laws are covered
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Comprehensive Support: They offer extensive support to whistleblowers, including legal advice, psychological support, and public advocacy
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Collaborative Efforts: They work closely with other organizations like Transparency International Germany and the Society for Civil Rights („Gesellschaft für Freiheitsrechte“) to strengthen whistleblower protections. Through active involvement in international networks like the Whistleblowing International Network (WIN), they stay informed on global trends and best practices — and can help connect you with relevant international actors if needed.
Whistleblower Netzwerk e.V. are aligned to integrate expertise of OAISIS/Third Opinion experts on AI cases.
Why do you care about Whistleblowing in AI?
The rapid pace of AI development brings enormous potential, but also significant risks—many of which remain difficult to fully grasp. With such a novel and fast-moving technology, regulatory and oversight mechanisms often lag behind. This makes whistleblowers all the more essential: their expertise and courage can help society detect and address problematic trends before they escalate, enriching public debate and supporting the development of responsible AI governance.
Past Cases of the Team
As a tax investigator in Frankfurt/Main, Rudolf Schmenger achieved considerable success in investigations against major banks. He resisted an official directive that severely restricted the initiation of investigations and raised objections with his superiors. Together with three colleagues, he was forcibly retired through a deliberately false psychiatric diagnosis. The case later occupied two committees of inquiry in the Hessian State Parliament. Today, he works as a tax advisor and lecturer.
In 2016, Martin Porwoll, as the commercial director of the “Alte Apotheke” (Old Pharmacy) in Bottrop, discovered that the cancer medications produced there were being systematically underdosed. He decided to take action. Through his revelations, widespread health damage was avoided in thousands of cases, and financial losses amounting to millions were averted from health insurance companies. His boss was sentenced to twelve years in prison. Porwoll himself was summarily dismissed.
Joachim W. , working as an internal auditor at Toll Collect, uncovered serious manipulations in the awarding of the toll system contract in 2004. He found that improper practices and possible corruption had caused immense financial damage to the German state. Wedler decided to make these abuses public. W. himself faced massive professional consequences and was eventually dismissed.
Case Focus
Type Of Cases
Clear law breaking
Possible law breaking
Significant public interest
Focus Area
Whistleblower Netzwerk adivses across industries and topics
Timing
As early as possible
Barred In
Germany
Individual profiles:
Whistleblower-Netzwerk e.V. has a dedicated team of professionals committed to supporting whistleblowers and advocating for stronger legal protections especially within Germany.
Legal counsel
OStA a.D. Robert Bungart
Robert Bungart was the senior prosecutor at the Aachen Public Prosecutor's Office
Treasurer
Dr. Detlev Böttcher
As the integrity advisor Dr. Detleve Böttcher helped further develop the whistleblower system of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
Legal counsel
Klaus Bergmann
Klaus Bergmann is a lawyer who worked for many years at Deutsche Welle, including in leadership roles
Support Offerings
This organization offers the following support offerings to (potential) whistleblowers along their journey. If you are looking for more details on what might be included in each category, scroll further below. If you have questions on their exact offerings, please get in touch with us.
Offerings*
Offered?
Comment
Initial Support & Intake
Inhouse
Legal Support
Inhouse & Network
Technical & Evidence Support
Not Focus
Security
Network
Financial support
Network
Media Support
Inhouse
Post-Resolution Support
Not Focus
Psychosocial support
Inhouse