The successful defrauding of Differdange's municipal council shows towns are just as vulnerable as businesses, Home Affairs Minister Léon Gloden stated after news of the €400,000 scam broke. Gloden did acknowledge that staff at Differdange council should have paid closer attention.
Speaking to RTL, Gloden emphasised:
€410,000 is a lot, especially when we are talking about taxpayer money. Even today, the receiver has to check the bank account ID number before transferring the money. I am working on strengthening various municipal services, we are in the process of drafting a bill on that subject, and based on this experience I will be looking at introducing the 'four-eyes principle' for receivers as well.
No instructions should be accepted over the telephone, as happened in Differdange, Gloden continued.
The Ministry is now considering whether to issue a circular to municipalities to raise awareness even further.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to completely avoid a municipality becoming a victim of fraud.
