Overview
- The Generalstaatsanwaltschaft Berlin said its initial suspicion review found no adequate factual basis for criminal charges, closing the matter without opening formal investigations.
- More than 170 criminal complaints had been filed since early June 2025, largely alleging acceptance of advantages and breach of trust.
- Because Jens Spahn is a sitting lawmaker, the complaints were first logged as review proceedings rather than full investigations due to parliamentary immunity rules.
- Prosecutors evaluated the Sudhof special report and Federal Court of Auditors’ findings with a focus on direct awards, the logistics contract, and the Health Ministry’s open-house procurement procedure.
- Spahn’s ministry ordered large volumes of masks at high cost early in the pandemic and later faced sharp criticism in the Sudhof report, which he rejects.