Alteration of Simulated Driving Exam Procedures
The Public Prosecutor's Office in Cologne is currently investigating a case of forgery of evidence in theoretical driving license examinations. The investigation, which was launched on Tuesday, July 29th, 2025, has seen search operations in Cologne and the Rhein-Sieg district.
Three men, aged between 32 and 37, are the targets of the investigation. It is alleged that these individuals collaborated and received payment for their actions. However, as of now, no new suspects or accusations have been disclosed.
The Cologne Police executed search warrants in Cologne and the Rhein-Sieg district as part of the investigation. During today's searches, substantial evidence was secured from three private residences in Cologne and Troisdorf.
The suspects are accused of manipulating theoretical driving license examinations in Cologne and Leverkusen since January 2025. One of the methods they allegedly used was sending "false examinees" to different TÜV testing centers in place of the driving license applicants.
It is also alleged that the suspects equipped examination participants with "deception techniques" such as mini-cameras and headphones. However, the search operations did not uncover any new deception techniques or false examinees used in the manipulation of driving license examinations.
The 37-year-old resident of Cologne-Ossendorf sustained minor injuries during the search operation, which were treated on-site. Minor property damage occurred when the apartment door of the Cologne-Ossendorf residence was opened.
Special units were involved in the search of a residence due to indications that the 37-year-old resident of Cologne-Ossendorf possessed a firearm. However, no firearm was found during the search.
The driving license applicants had paid amounts in the four-digit range to the three alleged providers beforehand. Despite the search operations, the investigation did not result in the discovery of any new collaborators or recipients of payments in the alleged scheme.
The search operations did not reveal any new locations or testing centers involved in the alleged manipulation of driving license examinations. The investigation continues, with the Public Prosecutor's Office working diligently to uncover the full extent of this case.
As this is an ongoing investigation, further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
