Spuerkeess Under Scrutiny: Questions Persist Over Bank’s Role in Caritas Affair

Luxembourg’s state-owned bank Spuerkeess remains at the centre of political debate, as MPs continue to examine its role in the Caritas fraud scandal that led to losses of €61 million. On Monday, members of the Chamber’s Finance Committee held a closed-door exchange with Finance Minister Gilles Roth (CSV) and representatives of the bank, focusing on the sanction imposed for shortcomings in transaction controls.

Green MP Sam Tanson raised concerns over what the state knew and how the bank responded after warnings in 2020. “To what extent did Spuerkeess really take the problem into account? Was the government aware of the non-implementation of these injunctions?” she asked. However, answers remain shielded from public view, as deputies reviewed confidential minutes of the bank’s board of directors.

Committee chair Diane Adehm (CSV) clarified that while the Finance Ministry has representatives on the board, Minister Roth himself does not sit on it. She added that the discussions “confirmed certain elements,” though opposition members felt the exchange reinforced their criticisms.

Another issue raised was the timing of the sanction’s communication—July 30, shortly after the Chamber’s Caritas report was released. Tanson argued that deputies might have drawn different conclusions had they been aware of the sanction earlier. On this point, she said, “we did not get a clear answer.”

While Monday’s discussions shed some light on the case, grey areas remain over the extent of responsibility within the bank and the government’s oversight role.
Know More : Sanction de la Spuerkeess: Les députés cherchent des réponses sur la fraude Caritas - L'essentiel

Join the community of your own - #1 home-grown LuxExpats app
SignUp Free : luxembourgexpats.lu