Marriage Fraud | Conmen | Matrimonial Deception

The period following a separation or divorce is often difficult; many feel desperate, helpless, or even humiliated. If children have resulted from the relationship, custody and maintenance issues frequently add to the stress. Yet sooner or later, the past is left behind, life is rebuilt, plans are made, and one may fall in love again. In most cases, one could say: “All’s well that ends well!” – but unfortunately not always, as the following case demonstrates:

Case Study: Marriage Fraudster in Dortmund

Elfriede (all names changed) had been divorced for seven years and had been granted sole custody of her daughter Ilse, while her ex-husband retained a fortnightly visitation right, which he also exercised, and he met his maintenance obligations. Ilse would later become the partner of one of our Dortmund detectives, which is how he became aware of the present case. Elfriede was not only a single mother but also a well-off self-employed businesswoman, working from morning until evening. Ilse attended school and then went to her grandmother, who looked after her and simultaneously managed Elfriede’s household. For some time, the daughter had noticed that her mother was often returning home late in the evenings. She had also worked twice on weekends because she needed to do the business accounts.

New Man, New Happiness?

One day, Ilse was already at home; her grandmother had prepared a meal and helped with homework. Elfriede arrived home. Ilse heard quiet murmuring in the corridor, then saw her mother at the kitchen doorway, saying she had brought a visitor. Ilse immediately thought of her aunt and uncle or similar relatives, yet Elfriede guided someone from the corridor into the kitchen whom Ilse did not know at all. The man smiled at Ilse, and Elfriede said this was Heinz, her boyfriend. Ilse was stunned. Things got “worse”: the man stated that he intended to marry Elfriede soon and would then become her new father. Ilse recoiled. Elfriede noticed this and told her to be happy about having a new father. Ilse could not help feeling repulsed. The man tried everything to win her over, but without success. Apparently, he did not intend to give up quickly, visiting Ilse and her mother at least twice a week, while Elfriede also went out with him in the evenings just as frequently. After about six months, Elfriede asked her daughter what she thought of the man, and Ilse said that while he could marry her mother, she wanted to live with her biological father. Consequently, Elfriede ended the relationship with the man.

Exposure and Conviction as a Serial Offender

Was Ilse’s rejection due to childish jealousy, unwilling to share her mother? Or was it instinct that made her recoil from the man? Who knows. Eight months later, this Heinz was charged with repeated marriage fraud in multiple cases and attempted marriage fraud, receiving a cumulative prison sentence of three and a half years.

Background Check by Kurtz Investigations Dortmund

In the described case, the daughter’s instinctive reaction made it unnecessary to hire a detective to check the suitor. At the time – the events date back to the 1970s – this would have involved considerable effort. Today, investigative services such as Kurtz Investigations Dortmund have faster and more efficient methods for checking suspicious individuals. Especially affluent bachelors and bachelorettes should remain vigilant when a new partner with seemingly serious intentions appears out of nowhere. Our private detectives in Dortmund carry out checks on any potential criminal history, general life background, creditworthiness, and, if necessary, numerous other factors: +49 231 8401 0065.

Note

To maintain discretion and protect the personal rights of clients and subjects, all names and locations in this case report have been changed beyond recognition.