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§ 158 Code of Criminal Procedure (StPO)
https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stpo/__158.html

If you are aware of a crime, you can file a report.

By filing a criminal complaint, you inform the relevant authorities that a potentially criminal offense has taken place. You can file a criminal complaint regardless of whether you

• are themselves affected (harmed) by the crime,
• can testify to a crime or
• are uninvolved.

You can file a report without giving your name or contact details (anonymously). The criminal complaint serves as a starting point for investigations by the law enforcement authorities, who then check whether criminal proceedings can be initiated by the court.

No

Anyone with knowledge of a criminal offense can report it. You don't have to meet any specific requirements.

• You can file a criminal complaint online, in writing, by telephone or in person.
  • You can contact any police station with your criminal complaint. Your criminal complaint will then be forwarded to the police station responsible for the crime.
  • If you file your criminal complaint online, it will automatically be forwarded to the responsible police station.
• You can provide personal information (name, address, mobile number, email address) or remain anonymous.
• They indicate the location where the crime occurred.
• They indicate what type of crime it is.
• They provide further information about the crime scene, the time of the crime, the perpetrator and the event itself.
• You will be given legal advice.
• It is possible to attach relevant documents such as purchase receipts, receipts, screenshots or photos to your criminal complaint.
• If you provide your contact details or appear in person, you will receive a case number for your criminal complaint and the contact details of the police station handling the case.
• The responsible police department receives the report and examines it.
• An investigation will be initiated.
• If there is enough evidence of a crime, the prosecutor can file charges. The case is brought before the court and a jury trial takes place.
• If no investigative approaches are available, the proceedings will be discontinued.

The processing time depends on various factors. It is not possible to set a specific time limit.

You do not have to meet any deadline.

Please note: Some crimes become statute-barred after a certain period of time. This means that the perpetrator can no longer be punished for the crime. You should therefore always file a criminal complaint as soon as possible.

If you file a criminal complaint, you are essentially a witness in the criminal proceedings. You may have to go to the relevant police station as part of the further processing of your complaint, for example so that they can interview you personally as a witness.

If you are aware of a crime but do not report it, you may be committing a criminal offense. Crimes such as murder, robbery, war crimes and high treason must be reported.

A criminal complaint cannot be withdrawn. You should therefore think carefully about whether you want to file a criminal complaint.

Online you can choose the type of crime from the following categories:

• Theft/property crime,
• Fraud,
• Damage to property
• Hate and incitement on the Internet

If you want to report another crime, select the category “other criminal complaint”.

The chances of success vary depending on the type of crime. Generally speaking, the more information you provide, the higher the chances that the police will find the perpetrator.

Be careful if you only suspect that a crime has been committed. It can be a criminal offence to falsely accuse someone. It is also a criminal offence to knowingly falsely accuse someone of a crime in order to damage his or her reputation. If you file a report using untrue information, legal action can also be taken against you. The law provides for a fine or even imprisonment for up to five years for false accusations. Therefore, it is important to make sure your information is accurate and reliable before taking legal action.

No

• Others file criminal charges
• Criminal complaint informs the authorities about possible crime
• Criminal charges can be filed regardless of one's own involvement (as a victim, witness or uninvolved third party)
• Anonymous reporting possible
• A criminal complaint is the starting point for investigations by law enforcement authorities, which check whether criminal proceedings can be initiated

Department of Home Affairs and Sport