The traces lead to Moscow: Ex-Wirecard board member Marsalek unmasked

Contents

Journalists from Spiegel, ZDF and other international media such as The Insider and Der Standard have tracked down fugitive Wirecard board member Jan Marsalek in Moscow. The 45-year-old, who has been wanted internationally since the insolvency of the former DAX company in 2020, lives in the Russian capital and is suspected of working for the Russian secret service FSB. It has been suspected since 2020 at the latest that the Austrian-born man went into hiding in Russia following the spectacular bankruptcy of the scandal-ridden financial services provider.

The research, which is based on leaked cell phone location data among other things, paints a detailed picture of Marsalek's daily routine. His cell phone was tracked over 300 times near the FSB headquarters in Moscow between January and November 2024. The photos, which the journalists were able to view and some of which were published, show the bearded suspect wearing a suit and tie on his way there.

The photos prove that Marsalek is regularly in Moscow and has little to hide. He can be seen shopping and riding an e-scooter, for example. The latter even led to an administrative fine of eight euros in April 2024, as he apparently did not always adhere to the traffic rules. This is based on official data. Even a wanted fraudster can be careless in everyday life.

Leaked location data analyzed

The case demonstrates how revealing a cell phone number can be in a manhunt. By analyzing leaked location data, the research team was able to create a comprehensive movement profile of Marsalek. Each use of the phone generated a data point – with a time stamp and the location of the respective radio mast. The analysis of this information in the form of tables and maps revealed the precise routes and locations of the phone user.

According to the reports, Marsalek used several cover identities, including the name Alexander Michaelovich Nelidov, under which he also held a Russian passport. He apparently used this alias several times to travel to Crimea, eastern Ukraine and Russian-occupied Mariupol. One photo even shows him in military uniform with the Russian war symbol "Z" as a fighter for Putin. Members of the press were able to identify at least five long train journeys. Another identity is Alexandre Schmidt, issued on a Belgian passport. Marsalek is also said to have twice taken over the identity documents of Russian priests.

The journalists also came across an associated Telegram account using the alias Nelidov. Their attempt to make contact via the messenger service and ask about Marsalek ended abruptly. The only reply was a terse Russian message: "You have the wrong number." When the reporters later asked again, this time about two journalists whom Marsalek is said to have spied on for the Russian secret service FSB, all they got was the vague comment: "Very interesting characters." All further attempts at contact were unsuccessful.

A mysterious companion

According to reports, Marsalek is often seen in the company of 41-year-old translator Tatiana Spiridonova. She is said to support him in his secret service activities. Spiridonova is active in a pro-Russian organization that experts regard as a cover for secret service activities.

The results show: The Marsalek case poses major challenges for the German authorities. Although the Federal Public Prosecutor General is investigating intelligence agency activities, the investigation methods are limited as Marsalek is outside the reach of German justice. The Russian authorities officially claim to know nothing about his whereabouts, although research provides clear evidence of his presence and activities in Moscow.

Investigators reach their limits

Traditional investigative methods such as telecommunications surveillance or surveillance of relatives are not effective in Marsalek's case, reports Der Spiegel. Cooperation between the police and secret services is also proving difficult. A Bavarian investigator reported confidentially to the research team that the services showed little interest in the entire case.

Marsalek, who had worked at Wirecard since 2000 and was promoted to the Management Board in 2010, is at the center of one of Germany's biggest economic scandals. The Munich I public prosecutor's office is investigating him on suspicion of commercial gang fraud, embezzlement and other serious financial offenses, primarily in connection with his responsibility for the Asian business. Former CEO Markus Braun, who is accused of fraud, has been on trial at the Munich Regional Court for years. He claims to have had no knowledge of the events at Wirecard.

(mma)