German authorities search home of SPD politician Stefan Politze

Investigators have searched the Hannover residence of Stefan Politze, the former SPD parliamentary group leader in the Lower Saxony state parliament. The Hannover public prosecutor's office confirmed that electronic devices and written documents were seized during the raid. Politze, who resigned from his position following the initial news of the investigation in early October, has reportedly been cooperative with authorities.

According to Politze’s lawyer, the investigation is linked to ongoing proceedings against former Hannover regional president Steffen Krach. Krach, who now leads the SPD parliamentary group in the Berlin House of Representatives, is under investigation for suspected bribery in two cases, as well as potential anti-competitive agreements regarding tenders and violations of business secrets.

While not officially confirmed, media reports suggest these investigations may center on the procurement process for a clinic site in Lehrte near Hannover, involving the alleged unauthorized disclosure of confidential bidding information. The public prosecutor's office has also confirmed investigations involving SPD Hannover chairman and federal lawmaker Adis Ahmetovic.