The indictment is as thick as a book. The allegations by the Munich public prosecutor against Markus Braun, the former CEO of Wirecard, cover 474 pages. In 2018 the most valuable financial company in Germany, the Munich payment processor is now a ruin. In the summer of 2020, large parts of Wirecard’s business turned out to be a fantasy.
For the Handelsblatt, Wirecard became one of the most complex and intensive research projects in its history. Our reporters analyzed hundreds of thousands of internal emails and chats, interviewed dozens of insiders and followed the money trail around the world. In preparation for the trial, here is an overview of our coverage of the Wirecard scandal.
CONTENTS:
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“It’s crazy…”: Wirecard’s last 48 hours
In the summer of 2020, Wirecard collapsed. Inside the scandalous group, unbelievable scenes took place. The Handelsblatt has reconstructed the hours before the sinking.
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“It was a super cool life” – That is the key witness in the Wirecard scandal
His statement brought Wirecard boss Markus Braun into custody. Who is the man on whom the public prosecutor’s office is building their indictment in Germany’s biggest accounting scandal?
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The Handelsblatt publishes the secret report on the work of the EY auditors
A report on EY’s work at Wirecard was stamped secret by the Bundestag. The Handelsblatt discloses the explosive document.
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After the publication of his secret report: Wirecard special auditor Martin Wambach is now speaking
In his first interview, Martin Wambach talks about the work of EY – and the consequences for the auditing industry.
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After publication of the secret report: “Now no one can talk their way out of it anymore”
The report made available by the Handelsblatt on EY’s failure in the Wirecard case is making waves. Lawyers, investor protection groups and politicians welcome the publication.
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Wambach report: EY files criminal charges
The auditing company is resisting the publication of the secret special report on its work for Wirecard.
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Last Wirecard supervisory board chairman criticizes EY: “Behaviour is no longer understandable for me”
Thomas Eichelmann reports on his relationship with CEO Markus Braun, the responsibility of EY – and when he first realized that he was facing scammers.
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Chasing a phantom: How Asia board member Jan Marsalek made 315 million euros disappear
In autumn 2015, Wirecard closed a deal worth 315 million euros with a man named Rahul Sharma. The Handelsblatt reveals: it never existed.
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The two faces of Markus Braun
Markus Braun headed Wirecard for almost 20 years. His lawyers paint the picture of a betrayed visionary. But companions tell a different story.
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Jan Marsalek and the coup of the century
In the five years before Wirecard collapsed, enormous sums flowed out of the group. Ex-CEO Jan Marsalek conducted a group of business people from around the world. A reconstruction.
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Villa in a posh Moscow suburb – Jan Marsalek fled to this luxury district
The Wirecard manager fled to Razdory near Moscow two years ago. The settlement is known for prominent residents, luxury properties and high security measures.
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Millions for almost nothing: Insolvency administrator examines Wirecard’s network of consultants
Michael Jaffé, not only Wirecard board members are suspect, but also their advisors. He prepares lawsuits.
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“I’ll instruct you directly” – How Markus Braun had 100 million euros sent to Singapore
At the end of 2018, a large loan from Wirecard flowed to an ominous company. Today, the public prosecutor’s office has many questions – including to ex-supervisory board chairman Wulf Matthias.
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Wirecard crash: Jan Marsalek’s secret chat logs
The Handelsblatt has Marsalek’s text messages from the past few weeks. They reveal a new perspective on Wirecard’s crash – and possible escape routes.
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Real estate, art, stocks – the mysterious fortune of Markus Braun
The longtime boss of Wirecard has amassed enormous possessions. The public prosecutor’s office and private creditors are very interested in this.
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Tuk Tuk and Truffles: Insights into Jan Marsalek’s luxurious life before Wirecard’s exit
The former Wirecard board member is one of the most wanted men in the world. The Handelsblatt has recordings that document his luxurious life before fleeing.
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Wirecard’s “Mr. Teflon” – How former CFO Burkhard Ley controlled the finance department
Some described the former Wirecard CFO as rock-solid. Ley left traces exactly where the public prosecutor suspects the center of the scandal.
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How Marsalek confidante Henry O’Sullivan became “Corinna Müller”.
The Brit Henry O’Sullivan is considered a dazzling puller of many Wirecard deals and confidant of Jan Marsalek. Internal emails show how great his influence was in the group.
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The new life of Wirecard whistleblower Pav Gill
Pav Gill got the clarification of the Wirecard affair rolling with internal documents from the Asian Wirecard branch. Now he calls for more support for whistleblowers.
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“Our Friend Dimitry”: How Jan Marsalek helped a Ukrainian oligarch in need
Despite internal warnings about money laundering, Wirecard set up accounts for Dimitry Firtash. The billionaire also plays a role in the Ukraine affair surrounding Donald Trump.
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