Some time ago, our detective Christopher (name changed) gave an interview to the well-known weekly newspaper Die Zeit as part of a professional profile on the work of private detectives in Germany. Below is a transcript of the article.

Die Zeit Article: “I Investigate Whether a Partner Is Being Unfaithful”

Christopher, 38, switched careers into a detective agency. He monitors employees who steal or lie about working hours. Data protection often complicates his work.
 

The coronavirus changed how and where many people work, and also how much money they earn. Those who are lucky work from home. Freelancers, however, lost assignments and do not know how to pay their rent, while others have no problems. In the series “Bank Statement,” we present people who tell exactly about this: What did Corona mean for my work—and my account? Here, 38-year-old Christopher Sturm, a private investigator at the Aaden Detective Agency Cologne, reports.

My Job

Occupation: I am a detective, and my work involves observing other people. I do this, for example, on behalf of companies that suspect one of their employees is stealing, committing working time fraud, or spying on trade secrets. I also investigate for private clients when someone suspects their partner of being unfaithful or when family members need to be found. During surveillance, I am usually accompanied by a colleague, and we sit in separate cars. Often, hours pass without anything happening, which can be boring. We stay in contact via radio and occasionally make small jokes. I must always remain alert, though, and cannot read messages or watch shows on the side.

 

I have been working at the Aaden Detective Agency Cologne for five years. I originally trained as an aircraft mechanic in the military and later worked in the security industry. Afterwards, I specialised in private and corporate investigations. My colleagues and I are assigned to eight different offices across Germany but can be deployed nationwide. I also often take assignments abroad. These are rarely exotic locations like the Maldives but primarily neighboring European countries.

“The private home is off-limits.”

During the peak of the Corona restrictions, we had significantly fewer assignments and no overseas work. In March and April 2020, our assignments dropped to almost zero. Payments from assignments before the crisis allowed us to maintain 60 percent of our average revenue in March and 35 percent in April. Since May, business has picked up again. Corporate investigations largely involve employee misconduct. Since many employees are on short-time work or working from home, observations are limited. If an employer suspects, for example, that an employee is committing working time fraud while working from home, it is difficult for us to verify. The private home is off-limits; we can only determine when and how often the person leaves the house. Many companies now have smaller budgets and other concerns than hiring detectives.

 

What worries me: Our industry struggles to find qualified newcomers. In addition, the title “detective” is not legally protected. Anyone can become a detective, which I find problematic. I hope the government will regulate this area more strictly. Minimum standards should be ensured, for example regarding data protection. At the same time, data protection also restricts us. Previously, if a man doubted the paternity of a child and wanted a test, we detectives could collect DNA samples from the child. Working within all the data protection regulations is becoming increasingly difficult. Therefore, I am uncertain about the future security of my profession.

My Income

Gross Income: My income varies month to month depending on my assignments. On average, I earn 2,200 euros gross, excluding bonuses.

 

Net Income: I receive a base salary of 1,500 euros net and an additional performance-related bonus of 400 to 1,500 euros per month, depending on the revenue I generate through my work. During the Corona crisis, I still received the base salary, but additional payments were significantly lower.

 

Other Income: Together with my brother, I inherited an apartment. We receive 950 euros per month from renting it out, which we split.

My Expenses

Rent: My wife and I pay 820 euros per month for our 100-square-meter apartment in a quiet but urban location. This includes utilities and water. Electricity costs around 70 euros per month on top.

 

Groceries: We usually spend over 100 euros for our weekly shopping. If we need something in between, I go to the nearby store.

 

Phone and Internet: The internet connection costs 19.99 euros per month, and my mobile phone contract is 15 euros. I also have a work phone provided by my employer.

 

Subscriptions: We have a Netflix subscription for 11.99 euros per month and a Sky package for 35 euros. We used to subscribe to magazines, but that era is over for me.

 

Sports: If I have the time, I go to the gym several times a week. The membership at McFIT costs me 25 euros per month. The advantage is that the chain also has gyms in other European countries. When I have assignments abroad, I often visit them after work.

Clothing: Shopping is the opposite of fun for me. My clothes should be simple and functional. I do not spend much on them and wear them until they are worn out. I spend around 400 euros per year, approximately 30 euros per month. A new suit costs more, of course, but I have not bought one in a long time.

 

Cosmetics: For toothpaste, deodorant, and face cream, I spend a maximum of 15 euros per month.

 

Travel: My wife and I enjoy travelling, but my work often makes it difficult to find a suitable time. We have been to the United Kingdom many times. We enjoy the excellent landscapes, culture, and people. We always feel comfortable there. However, it is also an expensive destination. When possible, we take two holidays per year, spending 600 to 1,500 euros per person each.

 

Transport: I have my own car, which I also use professionally for surveillance. Insurance costs between 800 and 900 euros per year. Repairs cost 1,000 to 1,500 euros annually. These costs are covered, and in return, I receive a high mileage allowance from my employer, which helps cover many of my expenses.

 

Private Pension: I have a funeral insurance policy that costs 200 euros per year.

 

Savings and Investment: Currently, I do not invest. When gold prices were low, I bought gold and later sold it at a significant profit. During the crisis, it felt too risky. I am waiting to see how the Corona pandemic develops.

 

The Bottom Line: My wife and I have a monthly surplus, which we use for major expenses like holidays and to save. We save between 5,000 and 10,000 euros per year. Our goal is to invest in property at some point. I am satisfied, and we manage well, as long as months like those during the crisis do not occur frequently.

Aaden Detectives Cologne

Hohenstaufenring 62

D-50674 Köln | Cologne

Tel.: +49 221 9859 2399

E-Mail: info@aaden-detektive.de

Web: https://aaden-detektive.de/en

 

CEO: Maya Grünschloß, PhD

Register Court: Amtsgericht Köln

Registration Number: HRB 83824