Whistleblower System

Internal reporting office under the German Whistleblower Protection Act (HinSchG)

Reporting Office under the HinSchG

TABAK Consulting GmbH operates an internal reporting office in accordance with the German Whistleblower Protection Act (HinSchG) of 2 July 2023. Through this reporting office, reports of possible violations of the law or internal policies can be submitted confidentially and under legal protection.

Who can submit reports?

Reports may be submitted by:

• Employees of TABAK Consulting GmbH and affiliated companies
• Former employees
• Job applicants and interns
• Business partners and service providers
• Clients

What violations can be reported?

Reports may relate to the following areas:

• Violations of statutory provisions (criminal law, tax law, employment law, data protection law)
• Violations of professional regulations (StBerG, BOStB)
• Violations of internal policies and codes of conduct
• Money laundering or terrorist financing
• Corruption or bribery
• Violations of data protection provisions

How can reports be submitted?

Reports can be submitted through the following channels:

Channel	Details
Email	hinweis@tabak-consulting.com
Post	TABAK Consulting GmbH – Confidential/Reporting Office, Augustaanlage 33, 68165 Mannheim
In person	Appointment with the reporting office on request

Reports may also be submitted anonymously. The identity of whistleblowers is treated as strictly confidential.

Protection of Whistleblowers

Whistleblowers acting in good faith are protected from retaliation under the HinSchG. This includes dismissals, formal warnings, transfers or any other detrimental measures. Retaliation against whistleblowers is prohibited and will be rigorously pursued.

Handling of Reports

All incoming reports are:

• Acknowledged within 7 days (unless submitted anonymously)
• Reviewed carefully and impartially
• Concluded within 3 months of receipt (or the whistleblower is updated on the status of the review)

External Reporting Office

In addition to the internal reporting office, reports may also be submitted to the external reporting office of the German Federal Office of Justice (BfJ):
www.bundesjustizamt.de/hinweisgeber