An employee of the Northern Wastewater Syndicate (SIDEN) is suspected of embezzling approximately €73,000, an amount the syndicate has yet to officially confirm. The allegation was confirmed by Fernand Mergen, mayor of Feulen and president of SIDEN. On Saturday morning, representatives of the wastewater syndicate, which brings together 34 municipalities, convened for an emergency meeting at Bleesbréck to discuss the matter.
The embezzlement was uncovered on the morning of Tuesday, 10 March, during a routine review of the accounts for February and March. Following the discovery, the employee was asked for clarification. After a brief discussion, the individual reportedly made statements that raised suspicions. The employee was immediately suspended, legal proceedings for criminal prosecution were initiated, and their bank access was blocked.
SIDEN has emphasised that its control system is the same as that used in every municipality. The public prosecutor’s office has confirmed that an investigation is underway and that the case has been referred to its office. A more detailed analysis of the accounts is currently being conducted to determine whether additional funds may have been misappropriated.
The scale of the alleged embezzlement has temporarily limited SIDEN’s financial capacity. Discussions have been initiated with the Ministry of Home Affairs, though the syndicate declined to provide further comment, stating it would allow the judicial process to take its course.
On Saturday morning, members of the Luxembourgish press were invited to SIDEN’s headquarters to enquire about the case, but received few substantive responses. For the most part, a prepared press release was read to journalists. Later that morning, SIDEN issued a follow-up statement indicating that further details would be shared at an “opportune moment.”
