Berlin SPD Lead Candidate Steffen Krach Denies Corruption Allegations

Steffen Krach, the SPD lead candidate for the upcoming Berlin state election, has publicly rejected allegations of enrichment and corruption following investigations by the Hannover public prosecutor's office. The investigation involves a bidding process for the sale of a clinic property in the Hannover region, where Krach served as the chairman of the supervisory board. During a press conference, Krach stated that he has nothing to hide and vehemently denied receiving any money from bidders, either privately or in his capacity as a party leader.

Central to the investigation is a donation of 9,900 euros made to the Berlin SPD by a company involved in the bidding process. Krach and party officials state that the donation arrived on December 29, 2025, and was returned on January 9 after Krach issued a directive to reject the funds. During his defense, Krach held up a transfer receipt to prove the money was returned. Investigators are also examining whether confidential information from the supervisory board was leaked to a competing bidder, which allowed that company to submit a significantly higher offer of 700,000 euros after a preliminary decision had been made. Krach denied having direct contact with the entrepreneur during the process, though he acknowledged communicating with local politicians to advance the project.

On Wednesday, authorities searched Krach's home in Berlin Schöneberg, the SPD state office in Berlin Wedding, and his office in Hannover. His mobile phone and several data carriers were seized. Krach intends to continue his election campaign despite the legal proceedings.