A large-scale internal investigation has been launched against 17 police officers in Frankfurt am Main, following allegations of excessive force and obstruction of justice.
According to the Frankfurt public prosecutor’s office, search operations were carried out early Friday morning at four police stations and 21 private residences.
More than 150 officers from the Hessian State Criminal Police Office and the prosecutor’s office took part in the coordinated operation.
Investigators seized mobile phones, data storage devices, and case files for further evaluation.
Allegations of unlawful violence and procedural misconduct
The case centers on accusations that several officers used or tolerated physical force against detained individuals earlier this year.
Prosecutors say the incidents involve multiple separate events and potential disciplinary breaches within the city’s 1st Police Precinct, located on Frankfurt’s main shopping street, the Zeil.
In addition to alleged assaults, several officers are also being investigated for obstruction of justice and wrongful prosecution, after they reportedly opened counter-investigations against detainees to justify their own use of force.
Evidence reportedly includes video footage
Authorities say parts of the alleged incidents were captured on body cameras, surveillance systems inside the police station, and public CCTV footage. These recordings are now being analyzed to clarify the sequence of events.
At this stage, prosecutors emphasize that no extremist or political motives have been identified. The inquiry focuses purely on potential violations of duty and criminal conduct in office.
Previous controversies at the same precinct
The 1st Police Precinct in Frankfurt has faced scrutiny before. In 2018, it became linked to a far-right group chat scandal that led to a wider investigation into extremist behavior within the Hessian police force.
Subsequent cases included allegations of mobbing, internal misconduct, and breaches of duty by several officers.
Officials now stress that the current proceedings are part of a broader effort to improve transparency and accountability within law enforcement.
Investigation ongoing
The Frankfurt prosecutor’s office announced it will release additional details later today as the inquiry progresses.
If the allegations are confirmed, the case could become one of the largest internal investigations into police misconduct in the state of Hesse in recent years.
