Copenhagen's district court opened proceedings on Tuesday against Rekom, the Nordic region's largest bar and nightclub operator. The case centers on 13 five-star reviews for its Nightpay app posted on Trustpilot in March. The Consumer Ombudsman alleges these reviews, which praised the app as 'fantastic' and 'brilliant', were all written by Rekom's own employees. This practice is a potential breach of Danish marketing law. Both Rekom and Nightpay deny any wrongdoing.
Four employees who wrote the reviews testified via video link. They worked at various Rekom bars in Jutland at the time. All four stated they wrote the positive reviews on their own initiative. They were not asked by management to do so. One witness, who worked at a bar in Vejle, said, 'It was a great product to have, and I used it a lot myself when I went out.' The reviews were removed in November when the company became aware they were written by staff.
Jesper Schaltz, Rekom's finance director and Nightpay's director, also testified. He stated he had no knowledge of the positive Trustpilot reviews. 'Specifically, I was not involved at all. I have been briefed on the case,' he told the court. The prosecutor for the Consumer Ombudsman, Michael Aagaard, is leading the case. He is seeking a fine for Rekom, though the specific amount was not disclosed during Tuesday's hearing.
The investigation began after a journalist from a major Danish newspaper alerted authorities. The journalist noted that several reviews for Nightpay's Trustpilot profile were authored by Rekom's own staff. This case highlights the strict enforcement of consumer protection laws in Denmark. The Danish Consumer Ombudsman actively polices misleading marketing, including fake online testimonials. For international businesses, this serves as a clear warning. The Danish market demands transparency, and attempts to manipulate consumer perception carry legal and reputational risks.
Rekom's operations span Denmark and Norway, making this a cross-border business integrity issue. The outcome could influence how other Nordic hospitality and retail groups manage their online reputations. The case also touches on employee practices. While the workers claimed independent action, the court must determine the company's liability. A ruling against Rekom would signal that firms are responsible for their employees' public endorsements, even if unsolicited. The final decision will be closely watched by the Copenhagen business community and consumer advocates across the Øresund region.
The core question is about corporate accountability in the digital age. Can a company claim ignorance when its employees collectively post glowing reviews? The Danish legal system appears poised to answer with a firm 'no'. This aligns with broader EU trends toward stricter digital consumer rights. For investors and partners, the case underscores the importance of robust compliance frameworks, even for marketing activities that may seem minor. The financial penalty, while not yet specified, is secondary to the potential damage to Rekom's brand as 'Nordens største barkoncern.' Trust, once questioned in court, is hard to rebuild with customers.