Prosecutors in the German city of Kempten have opened a criminal investigation into five Bundeswehr soldiers suspected of stealing items from shops at Kabul Airport during the 2021 evacuation of Afghanistan.
A spokesperson for the Kempten Public Prosecutor’s Office told the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag that the investigation is based on an initial suspicion of theft involving five members of the German armed forces. The spokesperson emphasized that the accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
According to the report, the soldiers belonged to the 31st Parachute Battalion of the German Army’s 1st Airborne Brigade, which participated in the evacuation operation following the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
Bild am Sonntag reported that the alleged thefts took place in the military section of Kabul Airport and involved shops operated by Afghan civilians. In addition to everyday merchandise, the stores reportedly sold military equipment and related supplies.
German military sources quoted by the newspaper alleged that the soldiers took T-shirts, military uniform patches and several knives without paying for them.
Prosecutors said the investigation began last year and remains ongoing, with no timetable announced for its completion or for any potential charges.
Germany’s Ministry of Defence said it immediately referred the case to prosecutors after becoming aware of the allegations. The matter was also reviewed by Germany’s Federal Public Prosecutor to determine whether the alleged conduct could constitute the more serious offence of pillage or a violation of international criminal law.
After reviewing the case, federal prosecutors concluded there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges related to pillage or international crimes. The investigation has since been returned to the Kempten Public Prosecutor’s Office.
German media also reported that investigators are examining whether the suspects could face allegations of aggravated theft because they were armed while serving on the mission.
The Ministry of Defence and Bundeswehr leadership have said they are closely monitoring the proceedings. According to Bild am Sonntag, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Lieutenant General Christian Freuding, Inspector of the German Army, have also been briefed on the investigation.
