Politics
CROSS-SPECTRUM
SPD Berlin candidate Steffen Krach under investigation as police raids continue
Prosecutors in Hanover have opened a criminal investigation into Steffen Krach, the SPD's lead candidate for the Berlin election, on suspicion of taking an unlawful benefit and of possible unlawful sharing of confidential information in a property tender. Police obtained search warrants and raided Krach's Berlin apartment, his office in Hannover and the SPD's Berlin headquarters, seizing mobile devices. Krach has denied any wrongdoing and says he never accepted private money or donations. The investigation focuses on actions taken while Krach was regional president of the Region Hannover.
Why it matters
The probe raises questions about the integrity of a major party’s candidate ahead of a key election.
How this story developed
- Sep 9 Berlin SPD mayoral candidate Steffen Krach faces raids over alleged bribery
- Sep 12 Prosecutors expanded the probe to include alleged benefit and confidential‑bid allegations.
