Germany investigates elite paratrooper unit over Nazi symbolism, sexual harassment and drug use

12 January 2026 , 11:19

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Germany investigates elite paratrooper unit over Nazi symbolism, sexual harassment and drug use

Germany’s armed forces are facing a large-scale investigation over allegations of sexual harassment, far-right extremism, and drug use within the elite 26th Parachute Regiment.

This was reported by Financial Times.

According to the newspaper, prosecutors are examining more than a dozen allegations involving soldiers from the 26th Parachute Regiment of the Bundeswehr, based in Zweibrücken. The probe includes claims that members of the unit wore Nazi-style uniforms, used banned extremist symbols, and consumed illegal drugs.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said he was “shocked” by the revelations, stressing that such behavior “runs counter to the core values of the Bundeswehr.”

An army spokesperson told Financial Times that internal investigations have involved 55 suspects. Three soldiers have already been dismissed, while another 19 are in the process of being discharged. The unit’s commander, Colonel Oliver Henkel, has been removed from his post.

A further 16 cases have been referred to prosecutors for criminal investigation, mainly related to drug offenses, hate-related incidents, and the use of prohibited extremist symbols.

The allegations first became public in October 2025, after a local newspaper received anonymous information claiming that some soldiers had performed Nazi salutes, secretly photographed male and female colleagues in showers, used drugs, and wore uniforms styled after the Nazi era.

Thomas Brown