German Police Search Prison and Homes in Corruption and Drug Smuggling Probe

Authorities in Germany have conducted searches at the Rheinbach correctional facility and multiple residences in connection with a criminal investigation. The probe targets ten individuals, including eight prison guards, who are suspected of corruption and involvement in the illegal trade of narcotics within the prison system.

According to a spokesperson for the Bonn police, the searches occurred at the Rheinbach prison and in apartments located in Cologne, Euskirchen, Rheinbach, and Siegburg, as well as in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The investigation, as reported by Der Spiegel, focuses on allegations that the accused prison staff acted as "smugglers." They are suspected of accepting payments to bring prohibited items, notably mobile phones and drugs, into the Rheinbach correctional facility and delivering them to inmates.

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Investigators believe the prison guards received these items, along with payments likely in the form of cash and vouchers, from associates or friends of the inmates outside the prison walls. The operation on Tuesday involved executing nine search warrants, six in North Rhine-Westphalia and three in Rhineland-Palatinate, aimed at uncovering evidence such as mobile phones.

This operation follows a similar search conducted in early May at the Euskirchen correctional facility in North Rhine-Westphalia. In that case, investigations are also underway against several employees and former inmates. Reports from Euskirchen suggest that prison staff may have offered "bribery subscriptions," warning inmates of upcoming inspections for a monthly fee.

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