Investigators have searched several more properties in connection with money-laundering and bribery investigations into German far-right politician Petr Bystron, including in the Czech Republic, dpa has learned.
Bystron, a lawmaker with the anti-immigration Alternative for Deutschland (AfD), is due to enter the European Parliament after running as the party's second-placed candidate in this month's EU elections, behind disgraced Maximilian Krah.
The Munich Prosecutor General's Office confirmed only that further searches had been conducted in relation to a case of money laundering and bribery, "to secure further evidence," without naming any individuals.
The searches had been conducted on the premises of the suspect and witnesses. Earlier on Thursday, the German parliament voted to grant the necessary permission for what is the third major search operation in the case.
In May, Bavarian investigators had searched Bystron's parliamentary office in the lower house, the Bundestag.
The lawmaker, whose constituency is in the Bavarian capital Munich, is suspected of receiving money in connection with the pro-Russian Voice of Europe online news outlet to act in parliament in Russia's interest. The Bundestag lifted Bystron's immunity before the searches in May.
Bystron has always denied the allegations and described the proceedings as politically motivated.
Referring to Thursday's searches, the AfD politician said: "In a total of 12 house searches in Germany, nothing incriminating has been found because the accusations have no basis. This will remain the case after the further searches."
The presumption of innocence applies until the legal proceedings are wrapped up.
Once Bystron enters the European Parliament, his new mandate will give him immunity again, bringing the investigations to a halt. The legal inquiry can only resume if the EU legislature lifts his immunity.
