Overview

• The CDU Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis board and Caroline Bosbach agreed over the weekend to appoint both the district manager and an external auditor to review materials that could refute claims of fictitious invoices and vote-buying.
• Bank records, chat logs and affidavits were submitted to the Staatsanwaltschaft Köln in mid-July, triggering a preliminary investigation into possible criminal conduct.
• Cologne prosecutors under Oberstaatsanwalt Ulrich Bremer have confirmed they are assessing whether Bosbach’s receipt of party funds and actions during the MIT election constitute criminal offenses.
• Bosbach denies having enriched herself and on her lawyers’ advice returned €2,500 to the CDU to counter any impression of illicit gain.
• The allegations center on reports that Bosbach offered €90–100 membership fee payments and free hospitality to sway votes in the MIT’s closely contested 2023 leadership election.