WHISTLEBLOWER
SYSTEM

Whistleblower System

The special protection afforded by the Whistleblower Protection Act (HinSchG) applies in particular to reports of the following offences (illegal acts or omissions):

  • Breaches that are punishable by law (e.g. fraud, theft)
  • Breaches subject to fines if they serve to protect life, limb or health and the rights of employees (e.g. violations of the Minimum Wage Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, General Equal Treatment Act).
  • Breaches in the procurement for public contracts or against legal tax standards.
  • Breaches of selected federal, state or EU law (e.g. Money Laundering Act, General Data Protection Regulation, etc.).

Please contact us if you become aware of any possible breaches of the aforementioned regulations. However, please note that the following reports do not fall under the protection of the HinSchG:

  • Reports made against better knowledge or improperly
  • General topics such as company management issues, business matters, corporate culture, holiday planning, salary negotiations
  • Information about private misconduct unrelated to professional activities

By reporting violations, among other things, irregularities can be uncovered and rectified. When processing the reports, V-LINE ensures the confidentiality of the identity of the whistleblower within the meaning of the HinSchG. We will process every report in accordance with the HinSchG. You do not have to fear any unfavourable measures due to or after a report, even if you do not submit the report anonymously. However, this does not apply if you submit a false report intentionally or through gross negligence.

Information about the processing of your personal data (if you provide any) can be found in our privacy policy.

Trusting report

Please report your concern to the e-mail address compliance@v-line.com or verbally via the following telephone number: +49 5138 7008 903.

Procedure of the process

  • Confirmation of receipt: You will receive confirmation that your report has been received within 7 days.
  • Check: We will check whether your request falls under the HinSchG.
  • Further contact: If necessary, the Reporting Centre will contact you to obtain further information.
  • Assessment: The Reporting Centre will check the validity of your report.
  • Measures: Depending on the outcome of the assessment, follow-up measures will be initiated if necessary.
  • Feedback: You will receive feedback on the handling of your report after 3 months and 7 days at the latest.

Your report will be processed by our Internal Reporting Centre and treated in the strictest confidence. Your identity as a whistleblower will only be passed on to other persons or bodies of V-LINE, if necessary, with your agreement and consent. If necessary, we will contact you at the e-mail address you have provided or call you back if you have left us your telephone number by e-mail or in your message on the answering machine.

Anonymous report

For an anonymous report, please use the following contact form. Please describe the situation or incident and your indications or, if applicable, evidence of a violation as detailed as possible and include all information relevant for the processing of your report. This is especially important due to the anonymity as there is no way to ask for further information and therefore important information may be missing.