Germany Investigates Soldiers Over Alleged Theft During Kabul Evacuation

DID Press: German prosecutors have launched an investigation into five Bundeswehr soldiers over allegations of theft during Germany’s evacuation mission at Kabul airport following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.

According to German media reports, the soldiers, all members of the 31st Parachute Regiment, are accused of taking T-shirts, military patches, and possibly several knives from the military section of Hamid Karzai International Airport during the evacuation operation.

Germany’s Ministry of Defense said it referred the case to prosecutors in the city of Kempten after becoming aware of the alleged misconduct. The investigation was later transferred to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office to determine whether the case involved violations of international law or allegations of pillage.

After reviewing the available evidence, including photographs, federal prosecutors concluded there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges of pillage under international law and returned the case to the Kempten Public Prosecutor’s Office for further investigation.

Prosecutors are now examining whether the suspects could face charges of armed theft, given that the soldiers were carrying weapons while deployed during the evacuation mission.

German media also reported that Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and Major General Christian Freuding, a senior Bundeswehr official, have been briefed on the investigation.