Berlin SPD Lead Candidate Steffen Krach Under Investigation Following House Searches

The Hannover public prosecutor's office is investigating Steffen Krach, the SPD lead candidate for Governing Mayor of Berlin. The investigation led to searches of three locations: two in Berlin and one in Hannover. According to reports, the searched sites included the SPD state headquarters in Berlin, Krach's private residence in Berlin Schöneberg, and business offices of the Region Hannover. The prosecutor's office declined to provide specific details on the charges due to tactical reasons.

Reports from the Tagesspiegel and other outlets indicate the investigation involves suspected bribery. The case allegedly concerns the sale of a 30,000 square meter plot of land formerly belonging to the KRH clinic in Lehrte. It is suspected that Krach may have received donations from a healthcare provider in exchange for influence during the bidding process. Further details suggest the investigation is linked to competition restricting agreements and the potential leaking of bid information.

Krach served as the President of the Region Hannover from late 2021 until early 2026, though he has been on leave since March to campaign in Berlin. He has also served as the state chairman of the SPD since December 2025. A spokesperson for Krach and the Berlin SPD strongly rejected the allegations, calling them baseless insinuations, while stating that they are cooperating fully with the authorities.

The timing of the investigation is critical as the election for the Berlin House of Representatives is scheduled for September 20.