Elham Asaad Buaras
Hamburg authorities have launched a sweeping investigation into 15 active and retired police officers accused of sharing racist and pro-Nazi messages in private and group chats. The revelations have sent shockwaves through the city’s law enforcement, prompting raids, suspensions, and the confiscation of service weapons and badges. Officials are vowing a thorough inquiry as they reaffirm their zero-tolerance policy against extremism within the police force.
With court approval, the Hamburg Police Department’s internal affairs unit carried out coordinated raids on March 5, targeting the homes and workplaces of six active officers, as well as the homes of three retired officers. Investigators seized numerous electronic devices, which are now being scrutinized for further evidence.
“The searches were preceded by extensive preparatory work,” a police spokesperson said. “Numerous data carriers were secured during the operation.”
In response to the findings, Hamburg Police President Falk Schnabel announced that seven officers had been suspended. Their service badges and weapons were confiscated, and they are now barred from entering police facilities without authorization.
“We will leave no stone unturned in investigating these allegations and taking necessary disciplinary action,” Schnabel declared. “Discrimination, glorification of violence, or xenophobia has no place in the Hamburg Police. We stand firmly by the values of our constitution.”
The scandal stems from two separate cases involving officers between the ages of 44 and 61. A preliminary review of their online chat messages exposed a disturbing pattern of xenophobic and racist rhetoric, including messages glorifying violence and, in some instances, National Socialism. Some officers were actively engaged in the conversations, while others participated to varying degrees.
Authorities first uncovered the chat groups during separate investigations into two officers. One, from the water police, had been under investigation for a suspected weapons violation. Another was convicted and fined for making insulting remarks on social media.
Once the public prosecutor’s office wrapped up its proceedings, case files containing tens of thousands of chat messages were turned over to the Hamburg Police’s complaint management and disciplinary department. Investigators are still combing through the content for further violations.
“In the course of our evaluation, we found strong evidence that both officers had exchanged messages that were xenophobic, racist, and glorified violence—including content that partially glorified National Socialism,” the police stated. While the public prosecutor’s office ruled out criminal prosecution, police authorities are moving forward with firm disciplinary measures.
Hamburg Police President Schnabel emphasized that the department will not tolerate right-wing extremism and urged officers to speak out against statements that contradict democratic values.
“In recent years, we have developed tools such as complaints management and a central reporting system for right-wing extremism to ensure every suspicion is fully investigated,” he said. “Hostility toward humanity and the constitution has no place in our ranks.”
He further stressed that if the allegations are proven, “those involved will have inflicted serious damage on the reputation of the Hamburg Police and their colleagues, who risk their lives every day to uphold our democratic constitutional order.”
As investigators continue to examine the seized evidence, disciplinary proceedings remain ongoing. The case has reignited public debate about extremism within German law enforcement, with calls for greater oversight and accountability.
