“PEP” stands for politically exposed person and includes e.g. heads of state, heads of government, ministers and members of the European Commission. The legal definition is contained in Section 1 para. 12 of the German Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA). Pursuant to Section 15 para. 3 no. 1 a) AMLA, there is an increased duty of care under applicable money laundering laws if a contractual partner of the obliged person or a beneficial owner is a PEP. This additional duty of care also applies with regard to family members of the PEP (including spouse, child, parent) or persons known to be closely related to them (e.g. by reason of a close business relationship).