On 23 March 2026, Dr. Oliver Pragal and Kristina Konrad delivered a presentation at an event hosted by Young DICO in Hamburg on the topic of “Preparation for and Conduct During Searches.”
Young DICO is a networking format of the Deutsches Institut für Compliance (DICO e.V.) aimed at younger compliance professionals and legal practitioners. Its focus lies on practical issues arising in day-to-day corporate life, as well as on the exchange of views on current developments at the intersection of compliance, internal investigations, and criminal law.
The event demonstrated that “searches of company premises” are no longer a marginal issue, but are increasingly moving into the focus of companies and compliance professionals.
Key Issues from the Presentation: Searches of Company Premises in Practice
The presentation focused on typical questions that companies encounter in connection with searches of company premises:
Why are searches of company premises particularly critical for companies?
Searches often hit companies unprepared and under significant time pressure. In such situations, it quickly becomes clear whether the process is managed in a structured manner or whether mistakes are made that can hardly be rectified later. For management and compliance functions, this raises the question of whether sufficient structures are in place for such an eventuality.
Where do typical sources of error lie?
The greatest risks typically lie not in the measure itself, but in how it is handled. Common issues include a lack of preparation, unclear responsibilities, uncertainty in dealing with investigating authorities, and ill-considered communication. In addition, deficiencies in data organisation often lead to an unnecessary expansion of the scope of the measure.
Why is a search of company premises a stress test for compliance?
Searches reveal whether responsibilities, processes, and communication channels actually work. Under pressure, it becomes evident whether compliance structures are truly effective or merely exist on paper. Preparing for such situations is therefore an essential part of effective risk management.
What role does preparation play?
An effective response does not emerge at the moment of a search. What is required are clear procedures, designated points of contact, and trained staff. Companies that are prepared can manage the process in a structured way and limit risks, whereas a lack of preparation often leads to a loss of control.
What concrete recommendations for action are given?
The legal foundations, as well as specific guidance on how to act during a search, have been presented in detail in a separate article on preparing for and responding to company searches. It provides a systematic overview along with practical recommendations for companies.
Conclusion: Preparation Determines the Course of a Company Search
The presentation by Dr. Oliver Pragal and Kristina Konrad at Young DICO highlighted that searches of company premises are a realistic scenario that companies must be prepared for.
The key points can be clearly summarised: robust structures, well-prepared procedures, and trained staff are crucial. Without appropriate preparation, a loss of control can quickly occur in a critical situation.
Searches of company premises can generally not be prevented. However, their course can be significantly influenced. We are happy to assist you in preparing your company for search situations and to support you in the event of an actual search. Please get in touch with us.
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