Authorities in the German town of Kempten have arrested a parking inspector and his wife on suspicion of embezzling more than €1 million from local parking meters. Police believe the municipal employee repeatedly removed coins from meters over numerous occasions and deposited the money into bank accounts accessible to his wife. A money-laundering alert from a financial institution triggered the investigation, ultimately linking the couple to 720 alleged incidents of theft.

The arrests took place on 24 November after police searched office premises at dawn. The 40-year-old inspector and his 38-year-old wife are now being held in separate detention facilities as the investigation continues. Officials have not disclosed how long the scheme may have been operating or how the total amount accumulated. Due to ongoing legal proceedings and privacy regulations, the suspects’ names have not been released.

Kempten Mayor Thomas Kiechle expressed shock at the allegations, stating he was “stunned and dismayed.” He has formed a commission to review the municipality’s internal processes, identify vulnerabilities, and prevent future misconduct. Kiechle emphasised support for the investigation while reiterating that the presumption of innocence remains until the case is concluded.

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