Handball player sues CDU politician over €130,000 investment fraud
A German Bundesliga handball player has sued CDU politician Tobias Walkenhorst from Bad Oeynhausen for repayment of €130,000. Walkenhorst had lured him with high returns on the purchase of electric car charging stations.
Professional handball player files charges against investment fraud
According to centre player Valentin Spohn, Tobias Walkenhorst, former chairman of the CDU city association of Bad Oeynhausen, unlawfully appropriated money in the six-figure range. Spohn played for the traditional handball club TuS N-Lübbecke between 2018 and 2022 and met Walkenhorst in a VIP room at the club. The two exchanged telephone numbers – an acquaintance that would later prove consequential.
In April 2026, Walkenhorst contacted Spohn, who now plays for Al-Qurain SC in Kuwait. According to Spohn's account, Walkenhorst offered him an investment opportunity in charging stations for electric cars. Walkenhorst presented himself as council chairman of the city of Bad Oeynhausen, a position through which he was supposed to have gained access to a municipal deal. Spohn was to act as an "intermediary investor" – with promised high returns.
According to BILD, the promised repayments never took place. The handball player is pursuing the claim legally; the public prosecutor's office is now investigating Walkenhorst. According to Spohn's statement, the total damage from Walkenhorst's activities has now reached "seven figures". Walkenhorst had lured Spohn and several other people in with such investments.
Spohn reports significant personal consequences. The physical and psychological stress manifested itself in skin problems. Nevertheless, the 29-year-old, who gave up his council mandate in 2026, takes a pragmatic view: "I am only 29 and still have time to earn the money again." Spohn does not expect full repayment – but still hopes for it.
The extent of Walkenhorst's dubious business practices is also evident in his past: in 2013, the politician won €32,000 in the RTL game show "Wer wird Millionär?" In June 2026, he stepped down from his council mandate in Bad Oeynhausen – apparently a move connected with the increasing investigations.
Source: BILD