Wirecard ex-CEO Braun finds pretrial detention isolating but remains energetic

Markus Braun, the former CEO of Wirecard, described his six years in pretrial detention as profoundly isolating but maintained he is "still very energetic." Speaking on the 270th day of the Munich Wirecard trial, Braun, once hailed as a "stock market star" by small shareholders, detailed the immense strain of his confinement.

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The main challenge is being completely torn away from the family.

"The main challenge is being completely torn away from the family," Braun stated. He has been in continuous pretrial detention since July 2020, with the ongoing trial being his primary occupation. Despite the circumstances, Braun expressed confidence in his ability to contribute constructively again, saying, "I have no doubt that I would do something constructive again in a very short time." He is divorced, but attributed it to "other reasons" rather than estrangement, emphasizing that his relationship with his wife and family remains "unchanged and strong."

Braun receives monthly visits from his eight-year-old daughter and wife at the Stadelheim prison in Munich. He also finds the monotonous prison routine challenging, describing the daily struggle to remain unemotional and return to a "constructive, rational state." The prosecution alleges Braun is the main perpetrator in the Wirecard scandal, a case involving billions in fabricated revenues and falsified balance sheets to sustain the company with bank loans. The alleged damages amount to over three billion euros.

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I have no doubt that I would do something constructive again in a very short time.

Braun denies the charges, portraying himself as a victim of a fraud ring led by former sales executive Jan Marsalek, who is now at large. He is on trial with two other former Wirecard managers. One of the co-defendants accuses Braun of being an accomplice and knowing about the fraudulent activities. No dates have been set for closing arguments or the verdict.

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That one does not let oneself get emotionalized and always finds oneself back in a constructive, rational state is a daily challenge.