German authorities have confirmed an investigation involving Deutsche Bank, Europe’s largest lender, after prosecutors carried out raids linked to suspected financial transactions.
The inquiry, reported this week, has drawn attention in the UK due to possible links to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich, a figure already sanctioned by the UK government since 2022.
While officials have confirmed the probe, they have not named any individuals or companies under investigation.
The development matters because Deutsche Bank operates widely in the UK financial system, Abramovich remains a high-profile sanctioned individual, and any confirmed breaches could have implications for international banking compliance and sanctions enforcement.
What exactly are German prosecutors investigating at Deutsche Bank?
German prosecutors confirmed that they are investigating transactions processed through Deutsche Bank AG, but they have refused to provide further details about the people or companies involved.
In an official statement, the prosecutor’s office said: “No further information can be provided regarding the background of the business relationships, the transactions processed through Deutsche Bank AG, their scope, or the companies themselves.”
German media outlets have reported that the investigation may involve financial flows connected to Roman Abramovich. However, authorities have not publicly confirmed his involvement.
How is Roman Abramovich connected to the investigation?
According to German media reports, investigators are examining whether transactions linked to Roman Abramovich passed through Deutsche Bank.
Abramovich made his fortune in the oil and gas sector and previously owned Chelsea Football Club.
🚨🇩🇪 German police just raided Deutsche Bank offices in Frankfurt and Berlin over another money-laundering probe. Yes, again.
Timing is brutal. This lands one day before they report Q4 and full-year results.
Also, none of this is new territory. Same bank was searched in 2022… pic.twitter.com/l6lQCYJMpV
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) January 28, 2026
Abramovich’s legal representative responded firmly, stating: “Our client is not aware of any investigations by the German authorities in this matter.”
The statement added that Abramovich has always complied with domestic and international laws and described any suggestion otherwise as “false and defamatory.”
Abramovich has consistently denied claims that he maintains close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Why does this investigation matter to the UK?
Abramovich was sanctioned by the UK government in March 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The sanctions included asset freezes and travel restrictions, making any suspected financial activity involving UK-linked institutions highly sensitive.
For UK regulators and banks, the case highlights ongoing pressure to ensure strict compliance with sanctions rules. Any confirmed failures could lead to tighter controls, fines, or reputational damage across the financial sector.
How has Deutsche Bank responded so far?
Deutsche Bank has not commented publicly on the specific investigation. The bank is due to publish its full-year financial results this Thursday, but the news of the raids has already unsettled investors.
Following reports of the investigation, Deutsche Bank shares fell by nearly 2% on Wednesday, reflecting market concern.
This is not the first time Deutsche Bank has faced scrutiny. In 2018, German police raided its Frankfurt headquarters and other offices as part of a large money laundering investigation involving around 170 officers.
That earlier probe focused on suspected offshore structures used between 2013 and early 2018.
Is there any confirmed wrongdoing at this stage?
At present, no charges have been announced, and authorities have stressed that the investigation is ongoing. German prosecutors have avoided naming suspects, and Abramovich’s representatives deny any knowledge of wrongdoing.
Under German and UK law, investigations do not imply guilt. Financial crime probes often take months or years to conclude.
