German Prosecutor's Office launches investigation of Knauf Group
Kyiv • UNN
German prosecutors have launched an investigation into the Knauf Group in connection with its alleged involvement in the reconstruction of Russia-occupied Mariupol, Ukraine.
The Würzburg Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the German concern Knauf in connection with German media reports that the company's products are widely used in the reconstruction of Mariupol, which was destroyed by Russian troops and captured by them during the war against Ukraine. This was reported by DW, according to UNN.
It is important to note that there is currently no initial suspicion of a crime required for an investigative inquiry. Rather, it serves to determine whether such an initial suspicion exists at all,
Details
It is noted that the prosecutor's office did not specify whether a similar check is being conducted against the German company WKB Systems, which is also involved in the restoration of Mariupol, destroyed by Russian troops.
Recall
On April 3, journalists of the Monitor program of the German public broadcaster ARD published an investigation about the participation of at least two German companies - Knauf and WKB Systems - in the reconstruction of Mariupol, which was seized by Russia and declared Russian.
The investigation caused a flurry of criticism against the companies. The German Foreign Ministry warned German firms against supplying to occupied Mariupol and said that construction work in the Ukrainian city "serves only Russian propaganda.
On April 22, Knauf announced its complete withdrawal from the Russian market after 30 years of operation. In a statement, the company said that the decision to wind down its business in Russia was made "against the backdrop of current events." The company's management will be transferred to the Russian management.
