Wirecard boss breaks his silence: "The trial is a farce!"

Image: Ascannio / shutterstock.com

Ex-billionaire Markus Braun talks about his future after five years in prison

For five years, it was quiet around the once celebrated tech visionary Markus Braun - now he is speaking out. In an interview with Stern magazine, the former Wirecard boss is as combative as ever. Despite being remanded in custody, public dismantling and one of the biggest economic scandals in German post-war history, Braun believes his future is far from being written off: "I still feel a lot of strength and energy in me," says Braun. He wants to tackle new issues, "work into old age" and not let things get him down. A man with a plan - despite five years behind bars.

"A farce": Braun settles accounts with the judiciary

The trial against Braun has been running since December 2022 - a mammoth case that is now in its third year. Braun maintains that he is innocent. Rather, a gang around the disappeared ex-Wirecard sales director Jan Marsalek and co-defendant Oliver Bellenhaus had hoodwinked him. Braun is particularly clear when it comes to the justice system: "The trial was a farce right from the start," he says without beating around the bush in an interview with Stern magazine.

But while Braun presents himself as a victim, the public prosecutor's office sees things very differently. Not only does it accuse him of fraud worth billions, it also rejects the accusation that he did not investigate thoroughly enough. Bellenhaus, who is now a key witness, also accuses Braun severely - and accuses him of cultivating a "victim myth".

Hope of acquittal - or just wishful thinking?

Despite everything, Braun sticks to his goal: acquittal. "Yes, of course," he answers the question clearly and confidently. However, the fact that Braun is still in custody - and has been for more than five years - shows that the reality could be different. An indication that the court does not yet share his version of the story.

For Braun himself, this time is "an absolute borderline experience". But there is no sign of resignation. He speaks of a "black swan" that "hit him with existential force". But he wants to get up again - whatever the cost.

Showdown in Munich - but when?

It remains to be seen whether the trial will end in 2025. According to media reports, the court would like to reach a verdict this year, but the hearing of evidence has not yet been completed. Neither pleadings nor a sentencing date have yet been set. Until then, Braun remains in custody - and continues to fight for his version of the truth.

Narrative vs. facts

When an ex-CEO sinks billions but blames others and describes his own trial as a "farce", that is one thing above all: remarkably convenient. You can say a lot of things when you've been in solitary confinement for years - but at some point, it's no longer words that count, only evidence. And there seems to be plenty of it. In the end, it will be judges, not interviews, that will decide whether he's a visionary or a phoney. And that's a good thing.