Stories from Leverkusen · Germany

The A 59 motorway towards Cologne is closed at the Leverkusen-West interchange connecting to the A 1 towards Koblenz. The closure is due to demolition work on the Leverkusen Bridge. The restriction is expected to remain in place until May 20. The A59 highway from Düsseldorf toward Cologne is closed between the Moheim Süd triangle and the Leverkusen West junction. Additionally, the A2 highway near Oberhausen and Dortmund is closed at the Recklinghausen junction for connections to the A43 toward Wuppertal until the end of May.

Bayer Leverkusen has signed a long-term contract extension with defender Edmund Tapsoba. The 27-year-old player signed an additional two years on top of his existing contract, extending his stay until June 30, 2031. Tapsoba has played for Leverkusen since 2020 and was part of the squad that won the German championship and the DFB-Pokal in 2024 under coach Xabi Alonso. His new contract is set to run until June 30, 2031.

Investigators searched a building in Leverkusen on Wednesday morning as part of an ongoing probe into Halal product certification. The investigation follows research by BR regarding the compliance of certain products with Islamic dietary laws. Investigators are looking into whether specific service providers are involved in improper certification practices. The company under investigation has not yet been reached for comment. The presumption of innocence applies. Authorities suspect companies used sham seats to claim activity where none existed. A service provider is also being investigated for allegedly assisting in tax evasion. This search follows investigations into similar suspected activities in Monheim.

Bayer issued a statement defending the safety of its glyphosate-based Roundup products following discussions regarding Monsanto's historical marketing. The company stated that the products have been tested extensively and approved by regulators for over 50 years.

The Health Angels rocker club in North Rhine-Westphalia has grown to 469 members, according to the NRW Ministry of the Interior. The group's size increased through defectors from the Bandidos gang.

The city of Leverkusen is conducting a test phase for reporting minor crimes via video chat. This pilot program is currently limited to minor criminal offenses. Police launched a major operation against Hells Angels criminal activity in Leverkusen early Tuesday. Approximately 1,200 officers utilized battering rams and armored vehicles during the 4:00 AM raid. The operation is described as one of the largest recent actions targeting biker criminal groups. North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister Herbert Reul stated the investigation involves suspected formation of and membership in a criminal organization and robbery-related extortion. The searches targeted 44 suspects, according to Reul. The North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Minister stated preliminary results suggest the operation targets approximately 2.5 million euros in criminal profits.

Former national player Caroline Simon is leaving FC Bayern after seven years to rejoin Bundesliga competitor Bayer Leverkusen. The 33-year-old left-back previously played for Leverkusen from 2013 to 2016. Her new contract at Leverkusen runs until June 2028. She has signed a contract that runs until June 2028.

Police in North Rhine-Westphalia are conducting a major operation targeting the Health Angels Motorcycle Club. Officials are pursuing a total asset seizure of approximately 2.5 million euros. German police launched a major operation against the Health Angels Motorcycle Club in Leverkusen on Tuesday. Approximately 1,200 officers utilized battering rams and armored vehicles starting at 4:00 AM. The North Rhine-Westphalia Interior Ministry described the raid as one of the largest operations against biker criminality in the state's history. Operations took place in Leverkusen, Lüdenscheid, and Duisburg, among other cities. The Hells Angels branch in Leverkusen had previously been banned, according to the report. Authorities took action against 44 suspects and searched more than 50 homes and businesses, according to Interior Minister Reul.

Police in Leverkusen have arrested the leader of a local rocker club. The leader of the House in Leverkusen has been arrested. The arrest involves allegations of drug trafficking and extortion. Police arrested the president of a Hertz Angels affiliate in Leverkusen. Authorities seized 3.5 million euros during the investigation. Officials stated the group is linked to organized crime, including drug trafficking, weapons, and extortion. The suspect reportedly claimed affiliation with the Islamic State. A total of 44 suspects are involved in the case, according to the source. Reul stated that the clubs are linked to organized crime rather than motorcycle culture.

Authorities seized weapons, motorcycles, and drugs valued at approximately 2.5 million euros during a recent operation. Authorities suspect the action aimed to spy on military transports, potentially including weapons deliveries to Ukraine. Sabotage against the Bundeswehr is also being considered as a possibility. The operation also targeted a Health Angels branch in Lemberg. Police searched more than 50 homes and businesses. The suspects are described as criminals who no longer have the right to reside in Germany. Authorities in North Rhine-Westphalia deployed 1,200 officers across 28 cities in an early morning operation. Additionally, authorities banned a Leverkusen branch of Health Angels after discovering a large number of motorcycles, weapons, and evidence of drug cultivation at the location. Officials may also confiscate jewelry, cash, or vehicles as part of the process.