World · Europe · 12 hrs ago
Peter Fitzek and three others go on trial over banned German group
Peter Fitzek and three other men have gone on trial in Düsseldorf over their alleged leadership of the “Kingdom of Germany” group.
Fitzek calls himself “Peter the First” and rejects the legitimacy of the German state.
The group, part of the Reichsbürger movement, sought to build alternative state structures, including its own currency and banking and insurance services.
Prosecutors accuse the men of forming a criminal organisation, tax offences and document forgery.
They allege the group took in about €10 million between 2020 and 2025 through financial services, donations and seminars, and failed to pay taxes and other contributions.
Germany banned the group in 2025, and Fitzek and the other three defendants were taken into custody.
The defendants face up to 10 years in prison; Fitzek denies committing a crime, and the trial will examine the allegations.
Peter Fitzek and three other men have gone on trial in Düsseldorf over allegations that they led a criminal organisation called the “Kingdom of Germany”.
Prosecutors say the group sought to replace Germany’s legal order with an alternative state, including its own currency, identity documents, banking and insurance systems.
The defendants face allegations including forming a criminal organisation, tax evasion and document forgery; they deny the charges or dispute the court’s authority.
The group was banned in 2025, and Fitzek and the other three defendants were taken into custody.
Prosecutors allege the group took in about €10 million through unauthorised financial activities, donations and seminars.
- Who
- Peter Fitzek and three other men, identified as Benjamin M, Mathias B and Martin S.
- What
- They are on trial over allegations of leading a criminal organisation and related financial and document offences.
- When
- The trial began on November 6, 2026.
- Where
- Düsseldorf, Germany.
- Why
- Prosecutors allege they sought to establish an alternative state and abolish Germany’s legal order.
Prosecutors
Defendants and defence lawyers
Purpose of the group
Prosecutors
Prosecutors say the group aimed to replace Germany’s legal order with an alternative state.
Defendants and defence lawyers
Fitzek denies committing a crime; he and his lawyers also challenge the court’s authority.
Financial activities
Prosecutors
Prosecutors allege unauthorised banking and insurance, tax evasion and other offences.
Defendants and defence lawyers
Fitzek called the accusations nonsense, according to Bild.
Fitzek declared himself the “supreme sovereign” of the Kingdom of Germany.
Germany banned the group, and Fitzek and three other suspects were taken into custody.
The trial of Fitzek and three other men began in Düsseldorf.
- Defendants
- Peter Fitzek, Benjamin M, Mathias B and Martin S
- Trial location
- Düsseldorf, Germany
- Alleged proceeds
- About €10 million
- Group banned
- 2025
- Group membership
- About 6,000 members, according to the BBC
6 sources
Es geht um Hunderte Taten - „Reichsbürger-König“ mit Müllsack im Gericht
Prozess um "Königreich Deutschland" - und um Gold und Güter
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Self-styled 'king of Germany' goes on trial accused of heading criminal group
Germany news: Trial of alleged 'Reichsbürger' group ringleaders begins
What people are saying
Peter I, head of state
Die Vorwürfe sind alle Unsinn.
the "kingdom" was set up in opposition to the legitimacy of the German republic, pursuing activities that aimed at abolishing the German legal system.
Wir sitzen hier vor dem falschen Gericht