German police officers under investigation for racist chat messages

Police in Hamburg on Tuesday said 15 officers, including some who have since retired, are under investigation for sending and receiving racist messages in group chats.

A total of nine apartments in the northern German city were searched early on Tuesday, with numerous electronic devices being seized as evidence.

The investigations were launched after two officers reportedly sent and received messages that were "racist" and "glorifying violence and Nazism."

The others under investigation participated in the chats "to varying degrees," police said.

Disciplinary proceedings are under way against all 15 former and current officers, between the ages of 44 and 61.

They are reportedly from Hamburg's regular police branch, known as the Schutzpolizei, as well as from water police.

The investigation is being conducted by the Hamburg police department responsible for complaints and disciplinary matters.