Whistleblower protection

Submit a report

Reports help us identify potential violations at an early stage and prevent or minimise risks for our company. To ensure that we become aware of misconduct in good time and can investigate reports appropriately, Degussa Goldhandel AG has established several reporting channels through which information can be submitted – anonymously if desired.
 

What can be reported?

The Code of Conduct of Degussa Goldhandel AG defines the high standards we expect from our own conduct and business practices, as well as from those of our business partners. Potential violations of these standards, including breaches of applicable law, can be reported. These may include:
 

• Bribery (including attempted bribery) and corruption
• Anti-competitive behaviour
• Violations of antitrust law
• Criminal offences such as theft, fraud, etc.
• Misappropriation of materials
• Financial damage through embezzlement
• Violations of data protection and manipulation of documents
• Violations of occupational health and safety or environmental regulations
• Violations of anti-money laundering regulations
• Serious misconduct, discrimination or harassment

 

Reporting channels at Degussa Goldhandel AG

If you have concrete and substantiated indications of legal violations or breaches of regulations at Degussa Goldhandel AG, or suspect such violations, you have the following options to contact the ombuds office:
 

• by phone: +49 2175 1655 240 (Monday to Friday during business hours)
• by post to: @-yet GmbH Ombudsstelle, Schloss Eicherhof, 42799 Leichlingen

Please note that when submitting information by email, confidentiality cannot always be fully guaranteed, as access to electronic communication by third parties cannot be completely ruled out. Therefore, please use the following email address only for general questions regarding whistleblower protection. Do not submit reports here. For questions by email: meldestelle@add-yet.de

Anonymous reports help to ensure the long-term reliability and integrity of Degussa Goldhandel AG. In such cases, please provide as many details as possible and, if available, submit supporting documents. Reports can only be processed effectively if there are sufficient concrete indications and possibilities for verification.

Degussa Goldhandel AG investigates all reports. The highest level of confidentiality is ensured when handling information about the reporting person. This also applies to employees who may be affected by an allegation.
 

Electronic: web-based whistleblowing system

The electronic whistleblowing system allows you to report potential violations of laws or internal policies within the company – anonymously if desired.

Our electronic whistleblowing system is available in several languages and can be used by all employees of Degussa Goldhandel AG, as well as by customers, suppliers and other third parties. You can access the web-based whistleblowing system via this link.
 

External reporting office

Reporting persons can choose whether to submit information about a potential violation to an internal or an external reporting office. Information on relevant external reporting procedures can be found on the websites of the responsible authorities.

However, Degussa Goldhandel AG encourages reporting persons to first contact the internal reporting office (ombuds office).
 

Access to and processing of reports

Incoming reports are reviewed and processed by employees of the ombuds office. A protected area enables communication between the ombuds office and the reporting person – anonymously if desired.

The ombuds office will contact the reporting person. In principle, a confirmation of receipt should be provided within seven days of a report, and within three months, information on the outcome or status of the procedure should be communicated. In accordance with applicable laws, the response must respect confidentiality and the right to privacy of all persons concerned.
 

Misuse of the whistleblowing system

When investigating reports, we also take into account the legitimate interests of the persons concerned. Please note that suspicions and allegations against a person may have serious consequences.

Misuse of the whistleblowing system will not be tolerated. We therefore point out that knowingly false allegations against third parties may result in legal consequences.

The whistleblowing system is not intended for general complaints. If you have questions or suggestions of another nature, please contact info@degussa-goldhandel.ch.

We kindly ask you to use the whistleblowing system responsibly.