Teacher on paid sick leave for 16 years caught out after she ‘went scuba diving’
A teacher in Germany was charged with fraud after being off work since 2009 but still appearing to pursue scuba diving.
Bild reported earlier this year that a 62-year-old teacher had stopped going to work at a vocational business college in Wesel citing mental health issues, she was kept on full pay as she continued to submit sick notes for years.
When the school got a new headteacher in 2015 he'd never even heard of her, but she would continue to be paid by the school for several more years before the authorities looked at her case.
In 2024 her home was searched after new management conducted an audit and looked at why they had a teacher on the books who hadn't worked for a decade-and-a-half.
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She was ordered to undergo a medical examination but the teacher issued a legal challenge, though courts ruled she should undergo one and she has been charged with aggravated fraud.
Investigators are also looking into claims that despite claiming she was unable to go back to the school and teach she continued to pursue diving.
They're also examining the claims that she forged two diving fitness certificates by invoking the authority of a doctor prosecutors have argued didn't exist.
Bild added that damages between 2021 and 2025 amounted to €248,000 (£207,000) and they cannot go after her for her previous absences, she'd worked at the school since 2003.
A district government spokesperson said they were 'thoroughly investigating the case' and understood why the public would be frustrated, but they couldn't disclose further details due to the ongoing investigation.
Investigators were looking into the possibility she was working as a naturopathic practitioner during the time she claimed to be too unwell to work as a teacher, but they have not been able to confirm this.
The teacher was charged back in July, with prosecutors saying: "There is sufficient suspicion against the accused of fraud in eleven particularly serious cases and forgery in two cases."
They are alleging that she submitted 10 sick notes during the 16 years she was claiming full pay while being on sick leave from her job, and then submitted another one once disciplinary proceedings were underway against her in September 2025.
While she has been charged with fraud the teacher is also suing against forced retirement.
Charges of aggravated fraud could land the 62-year-old in prison for up to 10 years if she is found guilty.
Topics: World News, Crime
Joe Harker