AfD MP Bystron has long been suspected of accepting money from Russia. Now the Bundestag has lifted its immunity today – investigators searched several objects. The allegations: bribery and money laundering.
Due to initial suspicions of bribery and money laundering, the Munich Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated investigations against AfD member of the Bundestag Petr Bystron and searched several properties.
According to official information, eleven public prosecutors and almost 70 police officers from the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office were involved in the searches. Bystron’s parliamentary office in Berlin as well as properties on Mallorca, in the districts of Munich, Erding and Deggendorf were searched. Officials also appeared at third parties who were not accused. According to the investigators, documents and data carriers were seized “which will now be evaluated with regard to incriminating or exculpatory evidence.”
Bundestag lifts immunity
The Bundestag had previously revoked Bystron’s immunity. As ZDF reports, the Immunity Committee was informed in the morning that raids were planned. Bystron is in second place on the AfD’s list of candidates for the European elections. There are also allegations against the top candidate, Maximilian Krah. The Dresden Public Prosecutor’s Office initiated preliminary investigations against him into possible payments from Russia and China. In addition, Krah’s long-time employee Jian G. was arrested – he is said to have spied for China.
There have been allegations against Bystron for weeks. The Czech newspaper “Denik N” reported, citing intelligence sources, that Bystron was suspected of receiving money from pro-Russian networks. “Spiegel” also reported on possible payments from the “Voice of Europe” platform to the AfD politician. In total, several hundred thousand euros are said to have flowed to European politicians.
Czech secret service incriminates Bystron
According to media reports, the Czech secret service BIS was able to overhear Bystron’s conversation with the Moscow-loyal Ukrainian businessman Artem Marchevskyj. It is said to have taken place in Prague. The BIS had apparently bugged Marchevskyj’s car and thus witnessed the meeting between the two, during which money of 20,000 euros was said to have been handed over to Bystron. At least that’s what the BIS and several MPs who heard the recording conclude.
“Bystron is shown rustling money and counting it,” says a Czech MP who is familiar with the recording. Other sources also confirm this. The evidence incriminates Bystron, who denies the allegations.