Public prosecutor's office apparently investigating Georg Kofler

According to a media report, there are allegations of fraud against the investor known from the TV show "Die Höhle der Löwen".

According to a report in Manager Magazin the Munich II public prosecutor's office is investigating Georg Kofler for fraud. The former ProSieben boss and well-known investor from the TV show "Die Höhle der Löwen" is said to have solicited investments for the e-commerce retailer 21sportsgroup at a dinner with investors in 2019. The 21sportsgroup was apparently run by his son at the time. In order to convince the investors, Kofler is said to have held out the prospect of a merger between 21sportsgroup and Social Chain AG, which he managed.

Kofler is said to have assured the investors that the merger would practically rule out a loss. In a presentation for a planned IPO, they were promised high returns, reports Manager Magazin , citing the public prosecutor's office. Subsequently, some investors are said to have given several million euros. However, a merger never took place. The 21sportsgroup filed for insolvency and the investors lost their money.

According to Manager Magazin , Hofer denies the allegations. The investors were aware of the 21sportsgroup's situation. He claims to have known nothing about a presentation. An IPO would only have been an option if the company had managed a turnaround beforehand. Risks are part of entrepreneurship, he tells the magazine. "And you shouldn't complain when these risks materialize." The next season of Höhle der Löwen starts on Monday, March 22. Georg Kofler will also be on the jury.