Record Number of Open Cases at German Prosecutors: Nearly 951,000

The number of unresolved cases at German prosecutors has reached an all-time high, according to recent data from the Federal Statistical Office. As of the end of 2024, the total of open cases increased by three percent, reaching approximately 950,900. This figure marks the highest recorded level since the beginning of the data collection in 2014.

In the previous year, around 5.49 million new criminal investigations were initiated, representing a decline of 1.4 percent compared to the year before. Approximately 5.46 million cases were resolved, a decrease of 0.7 percent. The majority of these investigations, about 60 percent, were dismissed, primarily due to insufficient evidence or the minor nature of the alleged offenses.

Prosecutors filed charges or requested expedited procedures in roughly seven percent of cases, while ten percent resulted in requests for penalty orders, which could lead to fines or probation. Additionally, 24 percent of cases were resolved through other means, such as referrals to different authorities.

Property and financial crimes were particularly prevalent, accounting for about 1.5 million cases, although this number decreased by three percent from the previous year. Traffic-related offenses were the basis for 923,000 of the concluded investigations, a two percent increase, including incidents like hit-and-run, driving under the influence, and illegal street racing.

Notably, incidents classified as crimes against life and bodily integrity rose by four percent, totaling around 524,000 cases. This category includes serious offenses such as murder and manslaughter. Conversely, the partial legalization of cannabis led to a significant reduction in cases related to drug law violations, which fell by 26 percent to approximately 315,000 cases.