In brief
Deutsche Bank's offices in Frankfurt and Berlin were raided by officials investigating potential money laundering activities involving foreign companies. Federal prosecutors stated that the investigation involves unknown individuals and employees at Germany's largest bank, which has previously maintained business relationships with entities suspected of illicit activities. The scrutiny comes shortly before the bank's scheduled full-year results announcement.
Deutsche Bank's offices in Frankfurt and Berlin have been raided by officials as part of an inquiry into money laundering. In a statement, the Office of the Federal Prosecutor revealed it was conducting an investigation, alongside the Federal Criminal Police Office, into unknown individuals and employees at Germany's largest bank. The statement indicated that Deutsche Bank had maintained business relationships in the past with foreign companies suspected of being involved in money laundering schemes.A spokesperson for Deutsche Bank confirmed that searches were carried out at its premises. However, officials refrained from commenting on which individuals at the bank or which foreign entities were being investigated. The prosecutor's office stated, No further information can be provided regarding the background of the business relationships or the companies themselves.Reports from German media suggest potential links to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, whose legal representatives have denied any knowledge of investigations related to him. They emphasized that he has always complied with laws and regulations.Abramovich, sanctioned by the UK and EU following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, faces allegations of close ties to President Vladimir Putin, which he denies. Meanwhile, Deutsche Bank is set to publish its full-year results, overshadowed by the recent raids, resulting in a nearly 2% drop in its shares.This is not the first time Deutsche Bank's offices have been targeted; previous raids in 2018 involved a significant investigation into the bank's potential facilitation of money transfers for criminal activities.
