# Wirecard fraud trial of Markus Braun > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wirecard-fraud-trial-of-markus-braun > Updated: 2026-10-28T12:11:00.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 4. The fraud trial of former Wirecard CEO Markus Braun in Munich is entering its concluding stage after nearly four years of proceedings. In mid-September, judges dismissed Braun’s defense strategy, which characterized him as a victim of embezzlement by former executive Jan Marsalek. Presiding Judge Markus Födisch rejected this ‘victim theory’ as ‘speculation,’ noting a ‘lack of coherence’ and a lack of evidence regarding the existence of the third-party businesses Braun claimed were used to embezzle funds. By late September, Braun’s defense lawyers filed a motion to suspend the proceedings, arguing the legal situation had ‘fundamentally changed.’ They requested a pause to await the outcome of a separate fraud case involving a former manager responsible for sales in Asia. However, on October 8, the Munich court rejected this motion. Judge Födisch stated the court intends to proceed, noting that a key witness in the related case had already declined to testify earlier in the year. As of late October, the trial is moving toward resolution. The court has indicated that the defense for Braun and two co-defendants will be granted a final two-week deadline to submit any new evidence requests, with an announcement expected on November 11. If no further requests are made, the court plans to proceed with the prosecution’s closing arguments and sentencing recommendations. The trial centers on the 2020 collapse of Wirecard after 1.7 billion euros in reported assets were found to be missing. Prosecutors allege that Braun and accomplices fabricated revenue to deceive lenders, estimating total fraud damage at three billion euros. Braun continues to deny all allegations. ## Claims - The Munich District Court rejected the defense's motion to suspend the Wirecard fraud trial. (reported by 5 sources) - Presiding Judge Markus Födisch indicated that closing arguments and sentencing motions are targeted for November. (reported by 5 sources) - The prosecution estimates the total fraud damage at three billion euros. (reported by 5 sources) - Former Wirecard CEO Markus Braun denies all charges against him. (reported by 5 sources) - Wirecard collapsed in June 2020 after 1.7 billion euros in reported cash balances could not be located. (reported by 5 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-28: Wirecard fraud trial enters final phase in Munich The Munich Wirecard fraud trial is entering its final phase, with judges granting a final two-week deadline for defense evidence requests before moving toward closing arguments. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wirecard-fraud-trial-enters-final-phase-in-munich ### 2026-10-08: Wirecard trial: Munich court rejects defense motion to suspend proceedings A Munich court rejected the defense's request to suspend the Wirecard fraud trial. Closing arguments are expected in November as the case nears its conclusion. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wirecard-trial-munich-court-rejects-defense-motion-to-suspend-proceedings ### 2026-09-30: Wirecard trial: Defense seeks suspension of Markus Braun proceedings Defense lawyers for former Wirecard CEO Markus Braun have requested a suspension of his Munich fraud trial, citing the need to await results from a separate case involving a key former manager. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wirecard-trial-defense-seeks-suspension-of-markus-braun-proceedings ### 2026-09-14: Markus Braun: Wirecard judges dismiss 'victim theory' in fraud trial Munich judges have dismissed former Wirecard CEO Markus Braun's defense that he was a victim of embezzlement, calling his claims 'speculation' amid the multi-billion euro fraud trial. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wirecard-trial-judges-dismiss-markus-brauns-victim-defense --- Cite as: Wirecard fraud trial of Markus Braun. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wirecard-fraud-trial-of-markus-braun