Berlin LKA Investigates Driving Schools Over Alleged Fraud
The Berlin State Criminal Police Office (LKA) has initiated investigations into the operators of the driving schools Jump, Orange, and Funky on suspicion of performance fraud. This comes after the schools abruptly shut down their branches on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. Hundreds of driving students are now left with closed doors and fears of losing their prepaid fees, which in some cases exceed 1,100 Euros per student, as reported by rbb24, Tagesspiegel, and Morgenpost.
Hundreds of Students Affected by Sudden Closures
The Senate Department for Mobility and Transport confirmed on Friday that it is aware of the case but referred to the civil law nature of the matter, as no official closure was ordered by authorities. According to information from the Berliner Morgenpost, the websites and social media channels of the affected companies have been deactivated, and the managing directors are no longer reachable for customers or media representatives.
A WhatsApp group has formed with over 700 affected individuals, many of whom reported having paid large sums in cash for so-called “Easter offers” shortly before the closures. Yasmin M. described the precarious situation of many young customers to rbb24.
“Many of us are young, still in school or training, and have invested significant sums in our driving licenses, some even through loans,” wrote Yasmin M., an affected student.
Gina E., 28, who helps organize communication in the chat group, reported irregularities at the Schöneweide branch and a later relocation to Neukölln. There, she made an additional cash payment shortly before the closure.
“For 1,300 Euros, driving lessons, special lessons, and the theoretical part were included,” said Gina E., a driving student.
Despite passing her theory test, the young woman is now concerned about proving her already completed practical driving lessons if she has to switch schools.
“One day later, the branch was closed,” added Gina E.
She also sharply criticized the timing of the closure, immediately after accepting further payments.
“If you go bankrupt or something, that’s one thing. But to pay money shortly before – you just feel ripped off!” Gina E. continued.
Lya, 19, reported a special package price that she had paid in cash at the end of March before finding herself in front of a dark branch last Tuesday.
“You had to pay everything in cash. Then I got a receipt,” said Lya, a driving student.
Tugba O., a mother of three, has largely given up hope of a refund for her payment of 1,111 Euros.
“I am 36 years old, I wanted to get my driving license now because I am a mother of three children. I will certainly not see that money again,” said Tugba O., an affected individual.
Gisele, 21, told the Morgenpost about a long history of problems, including branch closures since the end of 2024 and dubious contract offers.
“Luckily,” said Gisele, a driving student.
She had paid 999 Euros for a complete package but had only received nine driving lessons in total.
“The boss was the same everywhere, they told me, I could trust them that everything would work,” Gisele recounted.
After she terminated her contract by registered mail at the beginning of April, there was no reaction from the driving school management.
“My driving lessons were canceled at short notice. I could never rely on the driving instructor showing up,” Gisele said.
Consumer Protection Advises Legal Action
The Berlin Consumer Advice Centre advises affected individuals, according to Tagesspiegel, to seek legal assistance and file a criminal complaint, but points out that the recovery rates in the event of insolvency are usually very low. Josephine Frindte from the Consumer Advice Centre emphasized the need for official steps.
“However, we have not yet been able to ascertain any official insolvency announcement,” said Josephine Frindte, head of legal advice.
She recommends that customers carefully keep all receipts to assert claims in the event of proceedings.
“If there is no insolvency, those affected should seek legal assistance to enforce their rights, if necessary, through legal action,” explained the consumer protection expert.
In the event of actual insolvency, students would have to start a new training at their own expense.
“Any claims for reimbursement of payments made can later be submitted in insolvency proceedings,” Frindte clarified.
However, she warned that actual repayments could often be disappointing.
“The reimbursement amount is usually very small, unfortunately,” Frindte concluded.
Source: Landeskriminalamt Berlin, rbb24, Tagesspiegel, Berliner Morgenpost, Berlin Consumer Advice Centre
