Loss of Loot for Removal Company: Cologne Court Denies Claims Over Half-Million in Cash
Service dismantled following expenditure of 600,000 euros
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Beware of Crooked Removal Services! A removal company came up short after discovering a massive cache of cash during a house clearance, as the Cologne Regional Court ruled against their claims for a share and a finder's fee.
In a decision that has since left tongues wagging, a Bavarian removal company learned a hard lesson about hidden riches and contractual loopholes. During a house clearance job, employees of the plaintiff removal company stumbled upon a staggering €600,000 in cash hidden in various parts of the apartment—even tucked away in diaper packages! accompanying valuables like jewelry and coins worth around €30,000.
Despite the jackpot, the removal company claimed the find, arguing that they were entitled to a share of the loot and a finder's fee, based on a contract clause that stated all remaining items would become the company's property if the client failed to remove valuable items beforehand.
However, the Cologne Regional Court wasn't buying it. In a scathing rejection of the removal company's claims, the court deemed the contract clause invalid, stating that it unfairly disadvantaged the client. The court's reasoning? The removal company could not expect the client to intentionally leave behind cash and valuables worth hundreds of thousands of euros.
Moreover, there was no evidence of a finder's fee, as the plaintiff had not recovered a lost item. The court's decision, handed down in May, is still pending its final verdict.
So, there you have it! If you're ever thinking of hiring a removal company, remember: not all hidden treasures lead to riches!
Source: ntv.de, jpe/AFP
- Legal Drama
- Judicial Decisions
- Removal Services
Interesting Facts:
Large sums of cash are frequently discovered in people's homes. According to a 2019 survey, Germans reported hoarding a total of €42 billion in cash at home. The reasons for this range from distrust in banks and digital payments to simple sentimental value. Police and insurance companies often advise homeowners to report large cash finds, as the discovery could be related to illegal activities. If the cash is from a legal source, it's essential to keep it secure and consider banking it for safety reasons.
The Cologne Regional Court's decision on the removal company's claims highlighted the invalidity of a contract clause over employment with regard to finding hidden cash, as it was deemed to disadvantage the client. Furthermore, the court also rejected the claim for a finder's fee, stating the lack of evidence in recovering a lost item. This incident serves as a reminder for businesses, including removal services, to carefully draft their employment and community policies concerning such financial matters.
