GU Türkischer SV Pforzheim officials charged in 50 million euro laundering scheme

The Stuttgart Public Prosecutor's Office has filed charges against two officials of the former Verbandsliga club GU Türkischer SV Pforzheim for gang fencing and money laundering involving approximately 50 million euros worth of stolen precious metals.

Investigators allege that over a six-year period, the suspects used a precious metal trading business as a front to acquire, melt, and resell stolen gold, silver, and platinum. The club was reportedly used as a vehicle to move illicit cash abroad, specifically toward Turkey.

The scheme was uncovered at Stuttgart Airport in February when customs officials intercepted a group of players traveling to a training camp in Antalya. Officials discovered envelopes containing sums between 4,000 and 9,900 euros distributed among 27 individuals, totaling over 217,000 euros in seized cash.

While the two officials remain in custody awaiting trial at the Mannheim District Court, separate legal proceedings are underway for the involved players. The scandal has had severe financial consequences for the club, which has lost its non-profit status, faces significant tax debts, and has been forced to file for insolvency.