The operation of the joint police interception center in five eastern German states will "probably be delayed by several years". This is according to the Saxon Ministry of the Interior's response to a minor question from Left Party politician Rico Gebhardt. Originally, the "Joint Competence and Service Center (GKDZ)" based in Leipzig was supposed to be ready for operation in 2024. Berlin, Brandenburg, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia are involved in the project.
IT problems delay operations
The Ministry of the Interior in Dresden mainly cited difficulties in programming the TKÜ system and personnel problems at the company commissioned with the project. TKÜ stands for telecommunications surveillance. Due to strong competition on the IT labor market, the contracted company was unable to compensate for the personnel problems in the short term.
"All parties are working intensively to minimize the delay and get the system up and running as quickly as possible. The company is currently making good progress. A reference system will be delivered shortly so that software testing can begin," said the Ministry of the Interior in its response.
Left-wing politician speaks of "useless large-scale project"
According to Gebhardt, the "so far useless large-scale project could languish for an unforeseeable period of time". After all, "contractual penalties and claims for damages have been enforced out of court in close coordination with the participating states", which would refinance the running costs, Gebhardt quoted from the ministry's response.
Centre to help fight serious crime
The interception center, which is to provide services for the police forces of the five states in the fight against serious crime, was already launched in 2017 by state treaty. At the time, the costs were estimated at around 16 million euros. According to the Saxon Ministry of the Interior, the GKDZ had 23 employees at the beginning of this year. Later, it is expected to have around 40.
The police may only use telecommunications surveillance to investigate serious crimes - such as murder or suspected terrorism. For this purpose, landlines or cell phones, but also communication via messengers such as Whatsapp, can be tapped.
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