Austrian leader Kurz under investigation on suspicion of bribery

Prosecutors say probe is over claims that gov’t money was used in a corrupt deal to gain positive coverage in a tabloid.

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz is under investigation over claims that government money was used in a corrupt deal to ensure positive coverage in a tabloid newspaper, prosecutors have announced.

A statement on Wednesday from prosecutors said raids had been carried out in several locations, including two government ministries, as part of the probe, the latest legal headache for Kurz and his right-wing People’s Party.

Finance Minister Gernot Bluemel confirmed that a raid had taken place at his ministry, and Austrian media reported that the chancellery was also one of the locations targeted.