Düren County Scandal Deepens: Allegations of Up to EUR10,000 Per Illegal Entry

Düren (North Rhine-Westphalia) - The unfolding scandal involving corruption, illegal immigration, and significant financial fraud continues to escalate. Wolfgang Spelthahn, the suspended Düren County Commissioner from the CDU, is facing increasing scrutiny over his alleged involvement in a ring dedicated to the illegal smuggling of migrants. Recent findings from the public prosecutor's office suggest that Spelthahn, alongside a member of the SPD, Jens Bröker, and another suspect, reportedly received between EUR1,000 and EUR10,000 for each illegal entry of a family head from China.

According to reports from the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, a total of 222 migrants are believed to have been smuggled into Germany through this network. The illicit funds from these operations were reportedly shared among the participants. The accusations against Spelthahn include the professional and organized smuggling of foreigners in 84 instances, as well as suspicions of bribery.

In January, law enforcement conducted raids at several residential and commercial properties in Krefeld to gather evidence. Investigators had previously analyzed bank transactions, email communications, and tapped phone calls. Additionally, statements from a suspected mastermind, a lawyer from Cologne, have implicated the Düren politician.

In a surprising twist, the 1. FC Düren football club has also been linked to this scandal. The public prosecutor's office alleges that EUR150,000 from these illegal smuggling operations was funneled to the club. A businessman from Krefeld, who is under custody, reportedly transferred this amount with Spelthahn's knowledge, as he holds the position of club president.

Further investigations have revealed significant amounts of cash during raids, indicating a broader network of financial misconduct. Reports indicate that authorities discovered cash-filled wall safes containing EUR1.2 million.

Bröker, the SPD politician, has admitted to receiving EUR300,000 in bribes for his role in facilitating the operations. The investigation has been ongoing for several months, with extensive police actions including 100 searches across eight states in April 2024, which resulted in ten arrests. The latest operation on January 28 involved 130 police officers searching ten properties in Krefeld and Niederdorfelden, leading to two individuals being held in custody while a female suspect is currently wanted internationally.

In response to the allegations, Spelthahn's attorney, Benedikt Pauka, has denied all charges, asserting that his client was not involved in any fraudulent activities related to the acquisition of residence permits nor did he receive any benefits from such actions.