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The Hanover Public Prosecutor’s Office has specified the allegations against Berlin SPD mayoral candidate Steffen Krach. The investigation, which began on September 3, 2026, concerns Krach’s tenure as the President of the Hanover Region, a position from which he has been on leave since March 2026.
Allegations of Corruption and Breach of Trust
According to a spokesperson for the Hanover Public Prosecutor’s Office, the investigation includes a preliminary suspicion of accepting benefits in two separate cases. Furthermore, investigators are looking into allegations of anti-competitive agreements regarding tenders, combined with the violation of trade secrets and the breach of confidentiality obligations under the Limited Liability Companies Act (GmbH-Gesetz).
The investigation is linked to the sale of a former hospital site in the Hanover region. Krach, who previously served as the Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Hanover Region Hospital, maintains that all accusations are unfounded.
Controversial Donation and Property Deal
Central to the probe is a donation of 9,900 euros made to the Berlin SPD state association around the turn of the year 2025/2026. Krach explained that an entrepreneur, who had participated in the tender process for the hospital site, made the donation. Krach stated he immediately ordered the rejection and return of the funds upon learning of the donation, as he deemed it inappropriate.
The SPD Berlin confirmed that they received the donation on December 29, 2025, and returned the full amount to the sender on January 9, 2026, following instructions from their lead candidate.
Raids and Political Impact
On September 9, 2026, authorities conducted searches at three locations, including Krach’s offices in Hanover and his private residence in Berlin-Schöneberg. Krach expressed concern over the impact of the search on his young children. Investigators reportedly also confiscated his mobile phone.
Steffen Krach, who is running for the office of Governing Mayor of Berlin, has emphatically rejected the accusations. "I strongly reject them; they are not true," the SPD politician stated. In current polls, the SPD in Berlin is trailing behind the CDU, the Left Party, the Greens, and the AfD, placing them in fifth position.
The investigation continues as authorities examine the details surrounding the procurement process and the financial transactions involved.
Source: NDR.de
