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Emergency

Accusation of handling stolen goods: bought stolen goods?

Handling stolen goods concerns dealing with items that stem from an offense, for example buying stolen goods. Decisive is whether you knew, or it mattered to you, that the item stems from an offense. With a good-faith purchase, handling stolen goods is ruled out.

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Your chances of getting your money back

Punishable is anyone who buys, procures, sells or helps sell an item that another obtained through an offense against another's property, in order to enrich themselves (§ 259 StGB). Intent regarding the origin is required.
Anyone who did not know and also did not reckon that the goods stem from an offense does not commit handling of stolen goods. An unusually low price or dubious circumstances can, however, speak against good faith.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Remain silent

    Make no statements on the matter at first.

  2. 2

    2. Document the purchase

    Secure evidence of the acquisition, price and seller.

  3. 3

    3. Access the file

    Have the accusation and the evidence examined.

  4. 4

    4. Set out good faith

    Show that you knew nothing about the origin.

How to spot the scam

  • A conspicuously low price makes the origin questionable.
  • There is no evidence of the acquisition.
  • Hasty statements are made without knowing the file.

Frequently asked questions

When do I make myself liable for handling stolen goods?

When you buy, procure, sell or help sell an item that another obtained through a property offense, in order to enrich yourself, and in doing so know or it matters to you that it stems from an offense (§ 259 StGB).

What if I knew nothing about the origin?

Then the required intent is missing and handling of stolen goods is ruled out. Good-faith acquisition is not punishable. However, suspicious circumstances, for example an extremely cheap price or a dubious seller, can speak against good faith and support the accusation.

How do I behave with the accusation?

First make no statements on the matter and have access to the file arranged. Secure evidence of the acquisition, price and seller that can show your good faith. A well-thought-out defense is important, since a connection to further accusations is often examined.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.