Hagen Prosecutors Open Final Review Into Borussia Dortmund Abuse Allegations
Investigators in Hagen are reviewing potential statute of limitations issues in six remaining cases following allegations of sexual abuse and sexual coercion against a former employee of Borussia Dortmund, the Deutsche Presse-Agentur reported. Of the 29 total investigative proceedings opened against the former Bundesliga staff member, 23 have been closed because the alleged actions were either not punishable under the legal framework at the time of the acts or have since become time-barred.
The alleged offenses reportedly span from the 1980s until 2017, involving victims who were children, adolescents, and men aged between 12 and 24 at the time of the incidents, according to the Augsburger Allgemeine. The accusations against the former club employee became public in the autumn of 2025.
Apartment Raids Yield No Criminal Storage
Late last year, the Hagen public prosecutor’s office executed a search warrant on the accused man’s private residence, seizing technical devices and data carriers. Prosecutor Tobias Schülke stated that the search did not uncover any criminal or legally relevant content on the seized hardware, as noted by the Rheinpfalz.
Prosecution officials expect to conclude the remaining six active proceedings next year once the complex statute of limitations assessments are complete.
Borussia Dortmund Timeline and Club Response
Borussia Dortmund issued a statement addressing the allegations in October 2025. The club acknowledged it was informed in 2010 about an alleged approach by the former employee toward a then-adult youth player during the 1990s. That initial allegation could not be substantiated because the accused denied the claim and the individual concerned did not file a formal complaint.
A subsequent allegation surfaced in 2023, prompting Borussia Dortmund to terminate its employment relationship with the staff member immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the alleged incidents take place?
According to the Hagen public prosecutor’s office, the alleged acts of sexual abuse and sexual coercion began in the 1980s and extended through 2017.
Why were the majority of the investigative proceedings closed?
Prosecutors closed 23 of the 29 proceedings because the actions attributed to the man were either not classified as punishable offenses under the legal definitions applicable at the time of the alleged acts or the applicable statute of limitations had expired.
What did the police find during the residential search?
Investigators searched the private residence of the accused late last year and seized technical equipment and data carriers, but found no criminal content on them.
When did Borussia Dortmund separate from the employee?
Borussia Dortmund ended its employment relationship with the staff member immediately in 2023 after a new allegation was brought to the club’s attention.
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