Prosecutors are investigating ex-Bild boss Julian Reichelt

The public prosecutor in Berlin is investigating the former editor-in-chief of “Bild”, Julian Reichelt. A spokesperson for the authority said on Monday at the request of the German news agency: “The existence of a first suspicion of fraud has now been confirmed and the investigation is being launched.” The background is a criminal indictment of the media conglomerate Axel Springer. The prosecutor’s office is not providing any further information about the allegations.

Reichelt’s lawyer, Ben Irle, said when asked: “My client has not received the criminal complaint to this day.” One cannot therefore comment on the allegations of the ongoing proceedings, which are still unknown to his client. The conditions for starting an investigation are generally very low.

The media company reported its former “Bild” boss Reichelt in April. The company gave no details. The public prosecutor had previously checked whether there was an initial suspicion and whether the conditions for investigation had been met. The spokesman for the authorities did not say how long the investigation will take. It is the presumption of innocence.

Reichelt had to resign his position as editor-in-chief of Germany’s largest tabloid in the fall of 2021 and leave the group. The background of his career end at “Bild” were allegations of abuse of power related to consensual relations with employees. The journalist himself later spoke of a “slander campaign” against him and always rejected accusations.

In addition to filing criminal charges, Springer is also demanding money from Reichelt in an employment law dispute. A first hearing is scheduled for June at the Berlin Labor Court. According to the court, this lawsuit is about the repayment of a severance payment that was agreed upon when Reichelt left. In addition, the group also demands payment of a contractual penalty. It’s about millions in total.