Deutsche Bank is at the center of an investigation by Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), with authorities conducting searches at the bank’s Frankfurt headquarters and a Berlin branch as part of a money laundering probe. The case reportedly involves Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. According to Der Spiegel magazine, approximately 30 plainclothes officers arrived at Deutsche Bank’s Frankfurt headquarters shortly after 11:00 AM (Greek time) following orders from the local Economic Crime Prosecutor’s Office. The investigation targets “currently unknown Deutsche Bank executives” on suspicion of participating in money laundering activities.
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The bank allegedly maintained business relationships with foreign companies that were likely used “to legitimize proceeds from illegal activities.” Deutsche Bank confirmed the investigation to Spiegel, emphasizing that it is “fully cooperating” with authorities. Sources cited by the magazine describe the case as “extremely sensitive.”
Deutsche Bank has previously been involved in cases of insufficient anti-money laundering controls and delayed reporting of suspicious activities. In April 2022, investigators from the Prosecutor’s Office, BKA, and Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin) raided the bank’s Frankfurt headquarters. BaFin subsequently appointed a special representative to monitor the bank’s progress in combating money laundering and terrorism financing. Deutsche Bank has announced it will present its fourth-quarter and full-year 2025 results tomorrow morning. The bank’s shares have already dropped 3%.
Deutsche Bank’s relationship with Roman Abramovich under scrutiny
The ongoing Economic Crime Prosecutor’s investigation also focuses on Deutsche Bank’s relationship with Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. According to Süddeutsche Zeitung, the case involves the bank’s delayed submission of suspicious activity reports regarding its former client.
Prosecutors have been investigating the Russian oligarch for some time. Since March 2022, Abramovich has been included on European Union sanctions lists, suspected of violating the Foreign Trade and Payments Act. When questioned by media, a prosecutor’s spokesperson confirmed conducting an investigation against a “58-year-old businessman from the Russian Federation.”
