Wirecard trial: Defense seeks suspension of Markus Braun proceedings

Defense lawyers for former Wirecard CEO Markus Braun have filed a motion to suspend the ongoing fraud trial in Munich. The defense argues that the legal situation has “fundamentally changed,” citing the need for a fair trial and the potential risk of an erroneous verdict if the proceedings are not paused.

Specifically, the defense seeks to await the outcome of a separate fraud case involving a former Wirecard manager who was responsible for sales in Asia. This manager, who was recently extradited from Singapore, is considered central to the truth-finding process due to her alleged key role in the multi-billion euro fraud.

If the motion is granted, the main proceedings, which have been underway since December 2022, would effectively have to restart from the beginning. Presiding Judge Markus Födisch indicated that the court intends to issue a decision on the suspension request very shortly.