On January 16, 2025, the Munich Higher Regional Court commenced the trial of two former German parliamentarians, Eduard Lintner and Axel Fischer, both affiliated with the Christian Democratic Union (CDU). They stand accused of accepting bribes from Azerbaijan to influence decisions within the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in favor of the Azerbaijani government.

Background of the Accused

Eduard Lintner served as a member of the Bundestag for thirty-three years and was an active participant in PACE until 2010. Post his parliamentary tenure, Lintner transitioned into lobbying, notably advocating for Azerbaijani interests. Investigations reveal that up until 2016, he allegedly received multiple millions of euros through a complex network of nineteen foreign shell companies. These funds were purportedly channeled to sway PACE decisions in Azerbaijan's favor.

Axel Fischer, another prominent figure, was a Bundestag deputy and led the European People's Party (EPP) parliamentary group in PACE from 2010 to 2018. Prosecutors allege that Fischer delivered speeches aligning with Azerbaijani interests and shared confidential documents prematurely. In return, he is said to have received a bribe of €21,800 in 2016.

The Allegations

The core of the prosecution's case centers on the claim that both Lintner and Fischer accepted financial incentives to manipulate PACE's stance on Azerbaijan. This alleged manipulation aimed to soften criticisms regarding Azerbaijan's human rights record and democratic practices. Such actions, if proven, not only breach ethical standards but also undermine the integrity of international institutions like PACE.

Denial of Charges

Both Lintner and Fischer have consistently denied the allegations. Their defense teams argue that the payments were legitimate and unrelated to any illicit lobbying activities. They maintain that their actions within PACE were in line with their official duties and not influenced by external financial incentives.

The Azerbaijani Laundromat

This trial is a significant development in the broader context of the "Azerbaijani Laundromat," a term coined by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) in 2017. The investigation uncovered a massive money-laundering scheme orchestrated by Azerbaijani authorities between 2012 and 2014. Approximately $2.8 billion was funneled through this secret fund to bribe European politicians, purchase luxury goods, and launder money.

PACE's Response

In light of these revelations, PACE initiated its own investigation into allegations of corruption among its members. The 2018 report concluded that several current and former PACE members had engaged in corrupt activities, accepting bribes in exchange for mitigating the assembly's criticism of Azerbaijan's human rights violations. This led to significant reforms within PACE to prevent future occurrences of such unethical conduct.

Implications for German Politics

The trial of Lintner and Fischer has profound implications for German politics. It underscores the susceptibility of democratic institutions to external influences and the imperative need for transparency and accountability. The case has reignited discussions about the ethical responsibilities of public officials and the measures required to safeguard political systems from foreign interference.

Broader European Context

This case is not isolated. Across Europe, there have been multiple instances of politicians being implicated in bribery scandals linked to Azerbaijan. For example, in 2017, the Italian prosecutor's office charged Luca Volontè, the former head of the European People's Party faction in PACE, with corruption and money laundering. Volontè allegedly received €2.39 million for supporting Azerbaijani officials. Such cases highlight a pattern of strategic corruption employed by authoritarian regimes to influence European institutions.

Conclusion

The trial of Eduard Lintner and Axel Fischer is a landmark case in the fight against corruption within European political institutions. It serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which some regimes will go to manipulate democratic processes and the vigilance required to prevent such subversion. As the proceedings unfold, they will undoubtedly shed light on the mechanisms of foreign influence and the necessary reforms to uphold the integrity of democratic institutions.