Title: Unraveling the Unsettling Saga of Torsten K.
Korbach (Hesse) - Is Torsten K., the former mayoral candidate from Bad Arolsen, a hero or a fraudster? The once-beloved figure has been entangled in a web of controversy surrounding commercial fraud charges.
Three years after Maurice P.'s (33) attempted assault at the Rose Monday parade in Volkmarsen, Hesse, Torsten K.'s alleged victim status has been put to the test. The proceedings against him began at the Korbach District Court on October 3rd. Interestingly, P. holds a record of six prior convictions, five of which were for fraudulent activities. At the time of the crime in 2020, P. was serving a probation sentence of 1.5 years, and another fraud case was still under investigation.
Prosecutor Tanja Weltecke unraveled the deceptive tapestry that unfolded upon Torsten K.'s initial claim to the accident insurance company: He falsely stated being an eyewitness and first aider, alleging trauma and worsened health conditions, including high blood pressure and elevated diabetes. The misleading statement led insurance funds to flow swiftly, with Torsten K. receiving injury benefits of €24.91 per day beginning August 19, 2020. Moreover, he underwent psychological treatment at the Waldschlösschen private psychosomatic clinic in Dresden, which lasted for four months and cost €29,530.35. A year later, Torsten K. applied for compensation for his pain as a victim.
The dismantling of this false narrative began with the revelation of correspondence details on February 25, 2020 — the day after the rampage. This correspondence revealed that, around 2:45 PM, Torsten K. was untruthfully claiming to have experienced the Volkmarsen attack as an eyewitness, even expressing concerns about being a fraudster. His messages to TV stations only deepened the deception, as he attempted to sell his story as an eyewitness, but ultimately decided against it due to a "lack of real information."
The now-questioned alleged victim has been under scrutiny due to his suspicious actions. Late afternoon on the day of the crime, Torsten K. could be traced sending voice messages to friends, announcing the impending attack in Volkmarsen. He frantically tried to sell information to TV stations but ultimately failed to follow through on his claims.
Torsten K.'s provocative courtroom appearance took place on October 4th, where he was flanked by police officers. He began by stating that he had taken the train to Volkmarsen that day, and he claimed to have been standing at the Jägerhof inn. However, when questioned under pressure, the defendant's memory of the events began to falter: He claimed inability to recall specific details, leading the court to label his testimony inconsistent.
The case is expected to conclude on December 5th. Torsten K. faces up to two years in prison for the €46,500 in damages he allegedly caused through his fraudulent claims.
Understanding the Volkmarsen Rampage
On Shrove Monday, February 24, 2020, Maurice P. deliberately targeted the participants and spectators of the Shrove Monday parade in the town of Volkmarsen with his Mercedes at speeds of 50-60 km/h. He tragically hit approximately 100 individuals, injuring 90, including many children. Although P. was later found to have intentionally planned the attack and installed a dashcam to record the journey, his objective was to kill people.
Local mayor Jörg Völkerling expressed concern about the use of push-automatics in the parade, especially their potential for fraud, before the incident. Saarland regional news has called for stricter regulations regarding push-automatics, arguing that they have been misused and contributed to fraudulent claims.
In a similar incident in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, a masseur is currently under investigation for allegedly scamming thousands of euros in fraudulent victim claims. The Amok run in Volkmarsen has left a lasting impact on the community, and many victims continue to require compensation and psychological support.
As the trial progresses, it is essential to approach the case with a critical eye and stay informed about its developments.
