Authorities conduct a preemptive search in Bystron's residence.
Petr Bystron is under investigation for allegedly receiving funds from Russia to promote Moscow's interests in Germany's parliament. He denies these claims. Prior to his move to the European Parliament, authorities in Berlin have stepped up their probe into the matter.
Per reports from the German Press Agency, investigators have searched Bystron's home address in Berlin. The Munich Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed that more searches were conducted as part of an ongoing investigation into money laundering and bribery. Details of the other locations searched remain undisclosed.
Earlier in May, Bystron's parliamentary office in the Bundestag was also searched by authorities. He is accused of receiving money linked to the pro-Russian website "Voice of Europe" in return for advancing Russia's interests in the German parliament. The Bundestag had lifted Bystron's immunity for the searches in May.
Bystron has dismissed the allegations and described the proceedings as politically motivated. He anticipates that the case will be dropped "when the election is over." Until then, he is considered innocent under the law.
A Change in Politics
The investigative activities are set to be paused due to Bystron's shift to the European Parliament. Following his election to the EU, he now enjoys parliamentary immunity. The Bundeswahlleiterin is expected to officially announce the European election results on July 3. Once she does, the investigations must cease. However, revoking his immunity to continue the probe could take some time.
The allegations against Bystron have drawn immense scrutiny. The AfD party's leadership wanted him out of their European election campaign, but he had other plans. Despite their demands, Bystron participated in an AfD meeting in Nuremberg right before the election and will now join the party's delegation in the European Parliament.
Differing from top candidate Maximilian Krah, Bystron is one of the future AfD delegates. On Monday, AfD co-chair Tino Chrupalla verified that Bystron had made a solemn declaration to the new EU MPs, vouching that he hadn't received any money and that all such statements are false. Such declarations were necessary, as demanded by certain MPs.
Although the circumstances surrounding the allegations against Bystron are unclear, one thing is certain: the issue will undoubtedly follow him in his new political role.
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In light of these investigations, the AfD party's leadership had requested Bystron's removal from their European election campaign due to the money laundering allegations. Despite their request, Bystron participated in an AfD meeting and is now a part of their delegation in the European Parliament.
Despite enjoying parliamentary immunity in the European Parliament, the money laundering allegations linked to Russia and the pro-Russian website "Voice of Europe" are expected to follow Bystron in his new role.
