Five German soldiers investigated over alleged theft during Kabul evacuation mission

German prosecutors have launched an investigation into five Bundeswehr soldiers over allegations of theft during Germany’s evacuation mission at Kabul International Airport in Afghanistan in 2021, according to German media reports.

The Kempten Public Prosecutor’s Office is investigating the five soldiers, who reportedly served with Parachute Regiment 31 of Airborne Brigade 1 and were deployed as part of Germany’s evacuation contingent during the Islamic Emirate takeover of Afghanistan.

According to Bild am Sonntag, the alleged thefts occurred in the military section of Kabul airport, where military equipment and memorabilia were available for purchase. The soldiers are accused of taking T-shirts and cloth insignia intended for military uniforms. Reports within the Bundeswehr have also alleged that knives were stolen.

The prosecutor’s office said the investigation remains ongoing.

German media reported that the case came to light during a separate investigation involving members of Parachute Regiment 26. During interviews conducted as part of that inquiry, soldiers reportedly disclosed the alleged incidents in Kabul.

A spokesperson for Germany’s Ministry of Defence said the military disciplinary prosecution service referred the matter to the Kempten Public Prosecutor’s Office after becoming aware of a possible criminal offence.

The case was subsequently forwarded through the Munich Public Prosecutor General’s Office to the Federal Public Prosecutor to determine whether the allegations could constitute looting, a potential violation of international criminal law.

According to the Defence Ministry, investigators also examined photographic evidence but found no indication of actions that would amount to looting. The Federal Public Prosecutor therefore concluded there was no basis for pursuing charges under Germany’s Code of Crimes against International Law, and the case was returned to the Kempten Public Prosecutor’s Office.

German media reported that prosecutors are now examining whether the alleged conduct could constitute armed robbery because the soldiers were carrying weapons while deployed at the airport.

The reports also said Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Army Inspector Lieutenant General Christian Freuding have been informed of the investigation.