The words from a Lufthansa Cargo spokesman to FlyingTypers were terse:
“During the course of investigations by the prosecutor’s office against, among others, an employee of Lufthansa Cargo, various company offices were searched today at the Frankfurt base.
“Lufthansa Cargo is cooperating with the authorities and giving them every assistance.
“In view of the ongoing investigations, no further details can be disclosed at the present time.”
The story first appeared Tuesday in Der Spiegel and outlined an investigation into bribery and payoffs during the past two years involving Handling Counts, a Lufthansa Cargo subsidiary.
Der Spiegel’s information is that one of the accused is a Managing Director of Handling Counts, who also holds a top position at Lufthansa Cargo.
Der Spiegel describes five people accused in a ring that reportedly has led to searches at 17 business and residential premises, in addition to Lufthansa Cargo headquarters in Frankfurt am Main.
Handling Counts is a wholly owned subsidiary of Lufthansa Cargo with about 300 employees.