In response to a major embezzlement scandal involving €61 million, Caritas has announced the appointment of an audit firm to review its financial management and identify errors in its procedures.

On Tuesday, Caritas issued a statement outlining their immediate priorities: reassuring their 500 employees, understanding the failures that led to the financial losses, and addressing the organisation's urgent needs.

The statement emphasised that staff welfare and support for disadvantaged individuals are the top priorities. Psychological support will also be offered to employees affected by the crisis.

An audit firm has been tasked with examining Caritas's financial management system and reviewing all related procedures. The embezzlement involved not only transfers from Caritas accounts and reserves but also credit lines exceeding €30 million, i.e., money Caritas did not even have.

Negotiations are underway with banks and the government to save Caritas from collapse and to secure funding for employee salaries. These aids will be reviewed on Wednesday during the Government Council meeting and will also be addressed by the parliamentary commission responsible. Prime Minister Luc Frieden, Minister of Finance Gilles Roth, Minister for Family Affairs Max Hahn, and Minister of Education Claude Meisch will participate in the commission meeting.

Meanwhile, a "high-ranking Caritas employee," who was under investigation, turned themselves in to the criminal police on Monday. The individual has been charged and placed under house arrest.