David Alaba WAG’s Chef Dad Denies Planning To Overthrow Government And Says Food In Jail Was Mental Cruelty

The dad of footie ace David Alaba’s girlfriend has denied plotting to overthrow the German government and described food in prison as “mental cruelty” and “torture”.

Celebrity chef and Shalimar Heppner’s dad Frank Heppner is among 23 alleged far-right conspirators who were arrested in a mega-raid on 7th December last year.

Investigators believe that the 62-year-old from Munich and his co-detainees planned a violent putsch in Germany in order to re-establish a monarchist government.

Heppner was released in late March after spending more than three months in custody.

He has now claimed to local media that he knew nothing about the group’s planned coup.

The group – called Patriotic Union – was allegedly led by Heinrich XIII Prinz Reuss.

Reuss, 71, is a real estate developer and a descendant of the former aristocratic House of Reuss.

Heppner said: “I knew nothing more about these people. I had only heard of the prince. I didn’t know him personally and I never met him.”

The celebrity chef is claiming that he came into contact with the conspirators through a man named Alexander Q.

He claimed that he had met Special Forces Command non-commissioned officer Andreas M. following an interview he had done on Alexander Q.’s YouTube channel.

Investigators believe that Andreas M. was responsible for implementing the conspirators’ military strategy.

Heppner told local media: “Andi and some of his people later visited me at my restaurant in Kitzbuehel. However, we didn’t go beyond socialising.”

The prosecutor’s office says that the celebrity chef’s role was to provide supplies to the troops after the government’s overthrow.

But Heppner claimed: “For me, the matter was about the question of restructuring the Bundeswehr barracks.

“I assumed that I would be working on revising the cafeteria ideas. It was only after my arrest that I became aware of possible plans for a coup.”

After the gastronomy sector was badly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, Heppner said he viewed his newly-made contacts as potential new sources of income.

He said: “I had to earn money. I saw a great opportunity for revenue in the idea of re-conceptualising cafeterias.”

During the group’s conversations, Heppner apparently chose a title for himself.

He explained to local media: “As a joke, I suggested ‘Hauptmann’ (captain). You should know that I’ve never held a military rank.

“I didn’t serve, but shortly before, I had seen ‘Hauptmann von Koepenick’ on television. That’s how I came up with the title.”

He added: “I expected quick reactions to the initial concept ideas. But they didn’t come.”

So, mentally, he “had already said goodbye to the project” and opened a new restaurant in November last year.

Regarding who would get what position post-coup and whether there really was an underground command centre as reported by local media, Heppner said: “I have no idea.”

He emphasised that there was “nothing noteworthy” that bothered him about German society.

He claimed: “I am satisfied with our society.”

On the group’s alleged xenophobia, Heppner said: “My wife is Filipino, David is black. I spent 17 to 18 years abroad in my life, practically all over the world.

“My business partner is Turkish, and almost all of my employees were from abroad. My personal environment is multicultural, and that’s a good thing!”

On his months in custody, he told local media: “Most of the officers were correct and sometimes even friendly and respectful.”

Heppner is now cooking again and is allowed to leave Germany for work despite the ongoing investigations into his alleged crimes.

His lawyer, Stephan Lucas, said: “The proceedings against my client are not yet concluded. If there is indeed an indictment, I will fight for an acquittal.

“The fact that Mr Heppner was released from custody and allowed to travel abroad for professional assignments speaks to the General Federal Prosecutor’s great trust in my client.”

Some of the Patriotic Union remain in custody awaiting trial. No trial date has currently been set.

Austria international David Alaba plays as a defender for Real Madrid. Before his move to the Spanish capital, he played for Bayern Munich.

He has won the Bundesliga 10 times, the UEFA Champions League three times, and La Liga once. He is widely considered to be one of the best defenders in the world.