Authorities have detained AfD (Alternative for Germany) member of parliament Jörg Dornau at the state parliament building in Dresden, Saxony, and escorted him from the plenary hall, according to multiple media reports.
The Leipzig Public Prosecutor’s Office stated that customs officials also searched the politician’s homes, business premises, and vehicles. Dornau is accused of circumventing export regulations.
Allegations of Circumvention
According to the investigation, Dornau allegedly falsely declared Kazakhstan as the destination for a telescopic loader in a customs declaration in August 2022, in an attempt to conceal the actual destination of Belarus – which is subject to export restrictions. The vehicle was then reportedly delivered to Belarus.
The Public Prosecutor’s Office has been investigating Dornau’s business dealings for some time, focusing on undisclosed stakes in an agricultural company in Belarus and the resulting income.
Reports in WELT AM SONNTAG previously detailed suspicions that Dornau may have violated EU sanctions against Belarus. Delivering the telescopic loader would constitute a violation of the Foreign Trade Act, which carries a potential prison sentence of three months to five years under paragraph 18, subsection 1.
Sale and Resale
Specifically, Dornau, through his business Landprojekt Dornau, allegedly sold four agricultural machines, including the Manitou telescopic loader, for 17,300 Euro to a Kazakh machinery wholesaler called The Trust Service. This sale, in itself, would have been legal.
However, just four days later, the Kazakh dealer – which is not bound by EU sanctions – resold the goods to Zybulka-Bel, a vegetable farm in Belarus owned by Dornau, for 18,300 Euro. Records from Zybulka-Bel’s accounting reportedly show only a partial payment of 4,000 Euro.
Investigators searched for items relevant to the investigation on Wednesday, but the Public Prosecutor’s Office emphasized that the state parliament or faction rooms were not searched.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jörg Dornau accused of?
Jörg Dornau is accused of circumventing export regulations by falsely declaring Kazakhstan as the destination for a telescopic loader, when its actual destination was Belarus.
What potential penalties could Dornau face?
A violation of the Foreign Trade Act, as alleged in this case, carries a potential prison sentence of three months to five years, according to paragraph 18, subsection 1 of the law.
What role did the Kazakh company play in the alleged circumvention?
The Trust Service, a Kazakh machinery wholesaler, purchased the telescopic loader from Dornau’s company and then resold it to a farm in Belarus owned by Dornau just four days later.
What implications might this case have for the AfD party and its members?
