Topics
Jurisdiction
Fees
Anonymous intake?
Introduction:
What kind of cases are you the right organization for?
Whistleblower-Netzwerk e.V. handles a variety of cases involving whistleblowers in Germany who expose misconduct, corruption, and other significant issues.
They are primarily focused on corporate misconduct and have deep expertise in the European Whistleblowing Directive as well as its German implementation.
Disclaimer: Whistleblower Netzwerk e.V. is the host organization of OAISIS.
Why should AI whistleblowers come to you?
Whistleblower-Netzwerk e.V. is the largest whistleblower support organization in Germany and should be your first point of arrival if your case has a German “element” to it. They stand out due to several features:
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Focus on German Legislation: They are deeply involved in advocating for robust whistleblower protection laws in Germany, ensuring that both national and EU laws are covered
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Comprehensive Support: They offer extensive support to whistleblowers, including legal advice, psychological support, and public advocacy
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Collaborative Efforts: They work closely with other organizations like Transparency International Germany and the Society for Civil Rights („Gesellschaft für Freiheitsrechte“) to strengthen whistleblower protections. Through active involvement in international networks like the Whistleblowing International Network (WIN), they stay informed on global trends and best practices — and can help connect you with relevant international actors if needed.
Whistleblower Netzwerk e.V. are aligned to integrate expertise of OAISIS/Third Opinion experts on AI cases.
Why do you care about Whistleblowing in AI?
The rapid pace of AI development brings enormous potential, but also significant risks—many of which remain difficult to fully grasp. With such a novel and fast-moving technology, regulatory and oversight mechanisms often lag behind. This makes whistleblowers all the more essential: their expertise and courage can help society detect and address problematic trends before they escalate, enriching public debate and supporting the development of responsible AI governance.
Get in Touch
Link to secure contact tool
Past cases of the team
As a tax investigator in Frankfurt/Main, Rudolf Schmenger achieved considerable success in investigations against major banks. He resisted an official directive that severely restricted the initiation of investigations and raised objections with his superiors. Together with three colleagues, he was forcibly retired through a deliberately false psychiatric diagnosis. The case later occupied two committees of inquiry in the Hessian State Parliament. Today, he works as a tax advisor and lecturer.
In 2016, Martin Porwoll, as the commercial director of the “Alte Apotheke” (Old Pharmacy) in Bottrop, discovered that the cancer medications produced there were being systematically underdosed. He decided to take action. Through his revelations, widespread health damage was avoided in thousands of cases, and financial losses amounting to millions were averted from health insurance companies. His boss was sentenced to twelve years in prison. Porwoll himself was summarily dismissed.
Joachim W. , working as an internal auditor at Toll Collect, uncovered serious manipulations in the awarding of the toll system contract in 2004. He found that improper practices and possible corruption had caused immense financial damage to the German state. Wedler decided to make these abuses public. W. himself faced massive professional consequences and was eventually dismissed.
Resources
Case Focus
Type of Cases
Clear law breaking
Possible law breaking
Significant public interest
Focus Areas
Whistleblower Netzwerk adivses across industries and topics
Timing
As early as possible
Barred in
Germany
Individual profiles:
Whistleblower-Netzwerk e.V. has a dedicated team of professionals committed to supporting whistleblowers and advocating for stronger legal protections especially within Germany.
After his second state law exam, Robert Bungart worked as a prosecutor at the Aachen Public Prosecutor's Office from 1979 and at the Cologne Public Prosecutor's Office from 1982. From 1990, he handled economic crime cases. Between 2007-2014, he served as Senior Prosecutor and head of the department for organized economic crime and corruption, gaining experience with whistleblower-reported offenses. Following his retirement in May 2014, he volunteered with the Whistleblower Network in Cologne based on his professional experience.
As the integrity advisor Dr. Detleve Böttcher helped further develop the whistleblower system of the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). He served as a key contact for both internal and external whistleblowers.
Klaus Bergmann is a lawyer who worked for many years at Deutsche Welle, including in leadership roles as Head of Human Resources and Director of the European Representation.
Support Offerings
Offerings*
Offered?
Comment
Initial Support & Intake
Inhouse
Legal Support
Inhouse & Network
Technical & Evidence Support
Not Focus
Security
Network
Financial support
Network
Media Support
Inhouse
Psychosocial support
Inhouse
Post-Resolution Support
Not focus
Detail Reference for Support Offerings
For your reference, the following table details what might be included in the above outlined offerings.
They are a general indication for your understanding and not necessarily offered in full by they organization.
If you require more details on a specific organization’s detailed offerings, please get in touch with us.
| Service | Sample Details |
| Initial Support & Intake | Free initial consultation |
| Attorney-client privileged consultation | |
| Secure/encrypted communications channels | |
| Anonymous reporting option | |
| Multi-language support | |
| Initial risk assessment | |
| Legal Support | Direct legal representation |
| Attorney referral network | |
| Legal fee coverage/pro bono services | |
| Contingency fee arrangements | |
| Legal research support | |
| Filing assistance with relevant agencies | |
| Legal document preparation | |
| Representation in retaliation cases | |
| Seal/confidentiality protection | |
| Immunity negotiation | |
| Technical & Evidence Support | Secure document collection methods |
| Digital evidence preservation | |
| Metadata protection | |
| Technical evidence analysis | |
| Expert witness coordination | |
| Forensic accounting support | |
| Legal document preparation | |
| Technical validation of claims | |
| Data anonymization | |
| Security & Protection | Digital security assessment |
| Device security measures | |
| Online identity protection | |
| Counter-surveillance support | |
| Physical security assessment | |
| Safe housing/relocation assistance | |
| Family protection measures | |
| Identity change support (extreme cases) | |
| Temporary relocation | |
| Long-term security planning | |
| Financial Support | Living expenses during proceedings |
| Career transition assistance | |
| Job search support | |
| Reward/bounty program guidance | |
| Financial planning support | |
| Emergency funds | |
| Loan arrangements | |
| Insurance coverage guidance | |
| Fundraising assistance | |
| Media & Public Relations | Media strategy development |
| Interview coaching | |
| Statement preparation | |
| Media contact vetting | |
| Controlled release coordination | |
| Social media management | |
| Public narrative development | |
| Crisis communications support | |
| Platform coordination | |
| Psychological & Wellbeing | Individual therapy/counseling |
| Support group access | |
| Family counseling | |
| Stress management training | |
| Resilience building | |
| Trauma-informed support | |
| Health insurance coordination | |
| Wellness program access | |
| Long-term mental health support | |
| Post-Resolution Support | |
| Case outcome analysis | |
| Policy reform advocacy | |
| Ongoing security monitoring | |
| Public recognition support | |
| Community integration | |
| Long-term financial planning | |
| Record sealing/expungement |