Richter wants to go through with the Wirecard process – economy

It was already clear beforehand that it would not be easy to come to terms with what is probably the biggest swindle in German economic history. But the mass of data is still breathtaking: e-mails, chat messages, bank statements, witness statements, and, and, and. All in all, there are many gigabytes of data, the equivalent of probably hundreds of thousands of pages. Too much and, above all, too short, criticize the defenders of the ex-Wirecard boss Markus Brown and the group’s former chief accountant, Stephan E. – and have been demanding for weeks to suspend the whole process for the time being.

Without success. The court will not pause for months and possibly years so that the lawyers can read in peace. The presiding judge Markus Födisch clarified this late on Wednesday afternoon and thus rejected the three existing applications for suspension.

Födisch admits that the size of the files is “extraordinarily high”. However, the additional material that has been received since the beginning of November contains many duplicates and files that are of little importance for the prosecution. For the rest, “special efforts” by defenders “to some extent” should be expected. An “effective defense” is still possible, “any disadvantages that may arise will have to be compensated for by the court,” said Födisch. The investigation results that are still outstanding, for example through requests for legal assistance abroad that have not yet been answered, are also no reason to suspend the process. A violation of the rule of law is also not recognizable.

At the same time, the court issued clear tips in the direction of Braun’s lawyers, especially his most important defense attorney Alfred Dierlamm, who had signed off due to illness. However, his applications already showed that “the essential content could already be recorded” in the most recently submitted files. In addition, the defense attorneys had “always had the opportunity” to see evidence from the police since the beginning of October, but never used this opportunity. In addition, Dierlamm – contrary to his express assurances to the court – passed on data records to an IT service provider for evaluation.

Now Markus Braun could testify unexpectedly quickly

The decision on the suspension applications had been eagerly awaited. The further progress of the whole process depends on it. Because the objections of the defense lawyers and the reply of the court could be decisive if there is an appeal.

In addition, Braun’s defense attorneys had announced that their client would only comment after the court’s decision. This condition would now be met. Because so far only Oliver Bellenhaus, former Dubai governor of Wirecard and thus responsible for the so-called third-party business in Asia, as a key witness. He had talked for several days of the trial, first making lengthy statements and then allowing himself to be questioned by the court and the prosecutors. “At the moment, the defense sees the survey as completed,” said Bellenhaus’ defense attorney Florian Eder.

So things could soon continue with Braun – unexpectedly quickly. The other parties only want to make a few statements about the statements of the key witness, then it would be the turn of the former Wirecard boss. So that he and his lawyers can prepare properly, Födisch announced a short break in the process: This week and next week there should be no further hearings, on February 8th it should continue. Then there will probably be the next suspension request, again from Braun’s defenders.