I am Dagobert: What is the former department store blackmailer Arno Funke doing today?

RTL

October 2, 2024 at 5:30 p.m

Thirty years ago, the department store extortionist Arno “Dagobert” Funke was arrested. He was released again in 2000 and took part in a few TV productions. Here you can find out what “Dagobert” is doing today.

I am Scrooge: bomber, department store extortionist, policeman fool (Source: RTL)

With the new series “Ich bin Dagobert” RTL+ commemorates the longest criminal case in German history. Arno “Dagobert” Funke is at the center of the action. Six episodes chronicle the rise and fall of the highly talented crook, who was finally caught in 1994.

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Funke was awarded in the second instance nine years imprisonment

and a fine of 2.5 million DM. After six years and four months, he was released on August 13, 2000 for good behavior. But what exactly is the former criminal doing today? We’ll tell you.

“I am Dagobert”: What did Arno Funke do?

I am Scrooge: Ex-department store extortionist Arno Funke — I am Dagobert: Ex-department store blackmailer Arno Funke (Source: RTL)

Until the arrest was made, Arno Funke played a sophisticated game of cat and mouse with the police. Between 1988 and 1994 he used bombings to extort department stores. Funke always emphasized that he never wanted to endanger people.

The police failed several times to arrest Funke. In addition, the public had a certain sympathy for “Dagobert”. Before his fame as a notorious department store extortionist, Funke worked as a painter. He is said to have suffered from depression due to inhaling solvents. This and the lack of money allegedly led him to start extorting department stores in the late ’80s.

His criminal activities not only harmed the citizens, but also the Karstadt Group. While employees called in sick for fear of further attacks, customers also avoided department stores. In 1994, “Dagobert” is caught during another blackmail attempt. He was then sentenced to nine years in prison. However, six years later he was released again.

Arno Funke: That’s what “Dagobert” is doing today

Jungle Camp - 2013: Claudelle Deckert talks to Arno Funke about his time as Scrooge. — Jungle Camp – 2013: Claudelle Deckert talks to Arno Funke about his time as Scrooge. (Source: RTL)

“Dagobert” always demonstrated a sophisticated and artistic streak in his crimes. Even before becoming a painter, Funke tried out artistic careers. During his time in prison, he devoted himself to caricature and writing his own works. In 1998 he published an autobiography before another book followed in 2004.

After his release he was also part of one or two TV productions. In 2004, he took on the role of a blackmailer in the reality show “The Heist” on English television. He first appeared in front of the camera on German reality TV in 2013 on “I’m a Star – Get Me Out of Here”. After taking part in the jungle camp, he also took part in the popular format “The Perfect Celebrity Dinner”.

Today he continues to be active as an author and graphic designer. He worked as an insider informant in the documentary series “I am Dagobert” and surprised viewers with a cameo appearance. From October 2nd you can see Arno Funke in the role of investigator in “Ich bin Dagobert” on RTL+.