Tensions are rising in Differdange following a major fraud case in which the municipality was deceived into transferring around €400,000 to the wrong account.
In May, cybercriminals hacked an architecture firm that was due to receive a payment from the municipality. As a result, the money was instead wired to a Dutch bank account controlled by the fraudsters.
The opposition, led by Laura Pregno from Déi Gréng (The Greens), has described the affair as a serious breach of trust and is calling for full transparency.
They are demanding clear answers to several questions, including why there was a delay in communication about the incident, how internal controls have been strengthened since, and what measures are in place if a bank issues a so-called "no match" notification, meaning the recipient’s name and account number do not correspond.
The opposition also raised concerns about staff training, cybersecurity investments, and their own role in the municipality’s information policy.
Laura Pregno emphasised that the opposition must be treated as a full partner within the municipal council.
During the council meeting, mayor Guy Altmeisch admitted that the municipal council should have been informed earlier about the fraud. However, the opposition found this explanation insufficient.
Altmeisch also regrets that no opposition members had approached the municipal receiver for information, despite the council explicitly offering this option.
On the subject of prevention, the mayor said that every irregularity or suspicion regarding financial transactions must be thoroughly checked.
Since the fraud, bank account verification procedures have been reinforced. Altmeisch also referred to a new circular from the Home Affairs Ministry and training provided by Intercommunal Syndicate for IT Management (SIGI) and the Association of Luxembourg Cities and Municipalities (Syvicol).
Fränz Meisch of the Democratic Party (DP), speaking on behalf of the opposition bloc, comprising The Greens, Déi Lénk (The Left), and the DP, called for a clear commitment to cooperation from the ruling council.
He warned that if this was not forthcoming, the entire opposition would demand the resignation of the council.
Meisch accused the council of attempting to sweep the affair under the rug, pointing out that it took four months before information was shared.
Mayor Altmeisch described these accusations as "a hammer blow", expressing disappointment and reminding colleagues of the cooperative spirit that had prevailed over the past three years.
He stressed that the municipality was the victim of a criminal act and had immediately contacted the banks and police.
According to Altmeisch, the priority was always to recover the stolen funds, but the council had to wait thirty days for a response from the banks.
