I'm a Profiteer in Cold War Germany

Chapter 298: Chapter 81: Financial Investigation (3)

Anger’s office was on the top floor, much larger than Gerhard’s.

When Werner walked in, Anger was sitting behind his desk, holding a document.

The fifty-nine-year-old man had graying hair and a wrinkled face, but his eyes were still sharp. He wore a dark suit with a party pin on his lapel.

Gerhard said softly, "Comrade Anger, Comrade Betelich is here."

Anger looked up, glanced at Werner, and then nodded.

"Have a seat."

Gerhard backed out and closed the door.

Only Werner and Anger were left in the office.

Werner sat down across from Anger, placing his briefcase on his lap. He could feel Anger’s gaze scrutinizing him—a heavy gaze, as if it could see right into a man’s soul.

"Comrade Betelich," Anger said, putting down the document and leaning back in his chair. "Gerhard said you have something important to report?"

"Yes, Comrade Anger." Werner took a deep breath. "First, I’d like to report on Koko’s recent business progress."

Anger didn’t speak, gesturing for him to continue.

Werner opened his briefcase and took out a prepared business report.

"Last month, Koko completed a total of thirty-two foreign trade deals, with a total value of fifty million West German Marks. The largest single deal was the procurement of catalyst equipment from West Germany for the Leipzig Chemical Plant, valued at eight million West German Marks." He paused. "The equipment has been installed, and the plant’s production efficiency has increased by thirty percent."

Anger nodded. "I know about the situation in Leipzig. The plant director called me and said the equipment is excellent."

"In addition," Werner continued, "we’ve also procured precision instruments, optical equipment, and chemical raw materials for several state-owned enterprises. These are all materials that we either cannot produce domestically or that do not meet quality standards."

"Very good," Anger said. "I’ve been following Koko’s work over the years. Comrade Gunter and the rest of you have done well."

Werner breathed a sigh of relief. ’Anger’s attitude is milder than I expected.’

"Thank you for your affirmation, Comrade Anger." He paused. "But recently, we have encountered some... difficulties."

Anger raised an eyebrow. "What difficulties?"

Werner carefully chose his words.

"The Stasi’s internal audit department has raised questions about some of Koko’s operations. They believe there may be irregularities in our financial handling and have requested the formation of a special task force to conduct a thorough investigation."

Anger’s expression didn’t change, but his fingers began to tap lightly on the armrest.

"Which operations specifically?"

"Mainly the flow of funds in our Swiss accounts, as well as operations to procure Western embargoed goods through third countries," Werner said. "These operations are all designed to bypass Western financial surveillance and export controls, to more efficiently earn foreign currency for the country. But the audit department believes these operations operate in a legal gray area and may carry risks."

Anger was silent for a moment, considering.

Werner said nothing, waiting for Anger’s reaction.

After a moment, Anger spoke.

"Is General Baker behind this?"

"Yes."

The corner of Anger’s mouth twitched, as if in a sneer.

"I know Beck. He’s very conscientious, but sometimes too rigid." He paused. "Are your books clean?"

"Absolutely," Werner said. "Every transaction I’ve handled over the years has detailed records and supporting documents. Public and private funds are kept completely separate."

"Then what are you worried about?"

"I’m not worried about the books themselves, but about those gray area operations," Werner said frankly. "Although these actions were all for the benefit of the state, if General Baker is determined to nitpick, he could certainly find some issues."

Anger stared at him for a few seconds.

"Comrade Betelich, you are very honest," he said. "But I want to know, did you come to me today hoping I would intervene in the audit?"

Werner shook his head.

"Not intervene, Comrade Anger." His tone was earnest. "I just hope you understand the situation. Koko earns the country hundreds of millions of West German Marks every year. That’s hard currency that can buy Western equipment and technology, and improve the lives of our people. If this audit disrupts Koko’s normal operations, the loss won’t just be Koko’s, but the entire country’s."

Anger leaned back in his chair, his fingers resuming their tapping on the armrest.

"You have a point." He paused. "But an audit is also necessary. We cannot allow Koko to operate outside of oversight just because it earns a lot of money."

"I completely agree," Werner said. "The audit should proceed, but I hope it can be done without affecting Koko’s business. After all, the country needs foreign currency and Western equipment and technology right now."

Anger nodded but didn’t commit to anything immediately.

The office fell silent. Werner could hear his own heartbeat.

After a long moment, Anger picked up the phone.

"Get me Stasi Headquarters... Yes, I need to speak with Director Schmidt."

Werner sat across from him, his expression calm, but inwardly he breathed a sigh of relief.

While waiting for the call to connect, Anger glanced at Werner again.

"Comrade Betelich, you helped me a great deal last year." His tone was flat, but his eyes held a deeper meaning. "That batch of goods was of excellent quality."

Werner understood what he was referring to—before Anger came to power last year, Werner had sent a considerable amount of Western luxury goods to people in his faction. Those items had proven useful at a critical moment, helping Anger secure the support of several key figures.

"It was my honor to be of service to you," Werner said.

The call connected.

"Comrade Schmidt... Yes, it’s me. I heard the internal audit department wants to investigate Koko’s books?" Anger’s tone was calm but carried an unquestionable authority. "...Mm, I know General Baker is very dedicated, and I appreciate that about him. But some things require a balancing act. You should be well aware of how much foreign currency Koko earns for the country each year."

He paused, tapping his finger lightly on the desktop.

"Investigating the books is fine, but it cannot affect normal operations. What I mean is, the audit must be conducted on the premise that Koko’s business will not be disrupted. The country needs foreign currency and Western equipment right now—that is the bigger picture. ...Yes, that’s right. I expect you to have a talk with General Baker and make him understand our priorities."

Anger hung up the phone and looked up at Werner.

"Schmidt will talk to Beck. The audit will continue, but not with the fanfare Beck intended." He paused, his gaze turning serious. "Comrade Betelich, your books had better be truly clean. I helped you today because Koko is important to the country. But if you really have problems, no one can protect you."

"I understand." Werner stood up and bowed slightly. "Thank you, Comrade Anger."

"Don’t thank me." Anger waved his hand dismissively. "I am merely safeguarding the interests of the state."

Werner nodded and turned toward the door.

"Comrade Betelich," Anger suddenly called out to him.

Werner turned back.

Anger stared at him, his gaze profound.

"You are very smart, and very bold. It’s no accident you’ve managed to establish yourself at Koko all these years." He paused. "But smart people know when to stop. Make too many enemies, and sooner or later, you’ll take a fall."

Werner was silent for a moment, then gave a slight smile.

"I’ll remember that, Comrade Anger."

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