preCharge News BUSINESS — German law enforcement authorities conducted searches at Deutsche Bank offices in Frankfurt and Berlin on Wednesday morning as part of a new money-laundering investigation, according to verified reporting.

Investigation Overview and Bank Response

Police Searches in Frankfurt and Berlin

German federal police and prosecutors carried out coordinated searches at Deutsche Bank’s headquarters in Frankfurt and at an office location in Berlin. The action is part of an investigation into suspected money-laundering offenses.

In a formal statement, Deutsche Bank confirmed the presence of the Frankfurt prosecutor’s office on site and said the bank was fully cooperating with authorities, but declined to provide further details.

Market Impact and Timing

Shares Fall Ahead of Earnings Report

Following news of the raids, Deutsche Bank’s shares fell, with declines reported in midday trading.

The search comes just one day before the bank is scheduled to release its fourth quarter and year-end earnings report, adding pressure to investor sentiment and overshadowing expected financial disclosures.

Historical Context and Compliance Issues

Previous Scrutiny and Enforcement Actions

Deutsche Bank has faced regulatory and law enforcement scrutiny in recent years, including past raids and fines related to compliance shortcomings:

2022 Money-Laundering Search

German authorities searched Deutsche Bank’s Frankfurt offices in 2022 as part of an earlier money-laundering investigation.

Greenwashing and Regulatory Probes

In May that same year, the bank and its asset management unit DWS were investigated over allegations of greenwashing, involving claims about environmental and sustainability reporting.

2018 Tax Evasion and Compliance Cases

Back in 2018, Deutsche Bank was inspected by law enforcement officials during a tax evasion probe related to the Panama Papers leak, which was later dropped but resulted in fines for compliance failures.

What’s Next in the Probe

With authorities tight-lipped on specific details of the suspected transactions or individuals involved, the investigation remains in its early stages. Observers will watch closely for statements from the Frankfurt public prosecutor’s office once more information becomes available.

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