Der Clown (1998)

A journalist investigating a money-counterfeiting gang is murdered; The Clown uncovers a violent counterfeit operation.

April 28, 1998, midnight

An anonymous extortionist demands 50 million Deutsche Mark from the federal government, threatening to kill members of the Bundestag and their families. When ignored, he fires shots at a charity event attended by Ludowski and Claudia—narrowly missing Sarah Graz, a member of parliament and Claudia’s former schoolmate. Max poses as their driver/bodyguard; when their car is shot at, he neutralizes the assassin. After the government gives in, The Clown refuses, leading to a high‑stakes cat‑and‑mouse game with the extortionist and the police

May 5, 1998, midnight

Cosmo Nunnari, an old friend from Max’s Bundeswehr and WIPA days, pleads for help—he’s building a case against the ruthless arms dealer Van Vericke. Vericke retaliates by kidnapping Cosmo’s young daughter, Gina, and exchanging her for the evidence. The Clown, joined by Claudia and Cosmo, locates her on an isolated farm. In a tense raid, they storm the hideout, only to face an unexpected twist upon arrival .

May 12, 1998, midnight

A man wearing a harlequin mask leaves a trail of murders in the red‑light district. The press falsely accuses the Clown, and Ludowski fails to convince Führmann otherwise. Max infiltrates as bait with Claudia’s help to expose the Harlequin, linked to a brothel‑owner’s underworld killings .

May 19, 1998, midnight

An assassination attempt on Ludowski outside a chess club alerts Max and Cosmo. They uncover a group of Russian special‑forces called the "Shadows of Rasputin," and, with Claudia’s aid, locate their hideout .

May 26, 1998, midnight

Real estate tycoon Börner uses threats and violence to acquire properties in the station district. Martina Sanchez, owner of a local bar, refuses to sell. After her employee is run down—staged as a hit and run—Ludowski suspects police involvement and corruption. It's up to The Clown to intervene. Max and his allies confront Börner directly; he retaliates fiercely. The resulting confrontation becomes a nerve‑wracking duel between Börner and The Clown .

June 2, 1998, midnight