Overview
- The Cologne prosecutor’s office says an initial suspicion of fraud concerns a €2,500 payment allegedly diverted from the CDU Rheinisch-Bergischer Kreis.
- A letter has been sent to Bundestag President Julia Klöckner, after which formal investigations may start once the 48-hour period lapses.
- The suspicion stems from reporting by Stern and RTL/ntv citing transfer receipts, bank statements and a former CDU employee’s self-report about a bogus invoice and cash handover.
- Bosbach denies unlawful enrichment, says she repaid €2,500 to the party, and states she expects the proceedings to be closed after review.
- The local CDU association says it has delivered its files to prosecutors and publicly distanced itself, while Bosbach is a newly elected direct MP for the district with 42.2% of first votes.