Title: Fugitive Ex-Wirecard Manager Discussed Drones, Arms with Russian Spy Ring for Ukraine Conflict
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Marsalek Discussed Armament Transactions with Spy, Focusing on Russia's Procurement
A British court is currently hearing trials for a Russian spy ring, with documents suggesting that Jan Marsalek, the ex-board member of Wirecard, was in contact with the network. The discussions reportedly revolved around drone acquisitions for the war in Ukraine, weapon procurement, and mercenary services in Africa.
Court documents allege that Marsalek and Orlin Roussev, the ring's leader, discussed drone sales to support Russia's military operations in Ukraine, as well as trading blood diamonds and providing mercenaries for Africa. Roussev also suggested they could order weapons while delivering wheat to Cameroon, to which Marsalek replied, "We can organize almost anything they need, except nuclear weapons... even nuclear weapons if they pay."
The members of the spy ring, primarily motivated by financial gain rather than direct employment from Russian intelligence services, are facing up to 14 years in prison. Six Bulgarians were charged, including those who allegedly took orders from Marsalek to spy on Ukrainian soldiers during their training in Germany. Roussev and his deputy, Biser Dzhambazov, pleaded guilty last year.
Messages exchanged between Marsalek and Roussev often referred to Russia's GRU military intelligence and other security services. Marsalek reportedly discussed meeting with "GRU people" and was set to meet a "drone procurement expert" to discuss requirements. Roussev expressed admiration for Elon Musk and the Starlink satellite system, stating that "everything is allowed there... from Russia and Iran." Marsalek agreed, stating, "Musk is super cool."
Previously, Marsalek was the leading figure behind the 2020 collapse of Wirecard. Ongoing investigations accuse him of fraud, with an international arrest warrant issued by the Munich public prosecutor's office. His trail was lost shortly after Wirecard's collapse in Belarus, following media reports that he was in Russia. Despite his lawyer's initial refusal to comment, investigations in 2024 revealed that Russian authorities aided Marsalek in evading prosecution, likely sheltering him in Crimea under a false identity, suggesting ongoing support for his activities in Russia's interests.
Sources: ntv.de, jpe/rts
Keywords:
- Wirecard
- Espionage
- Russia
- United Kingdom
- Trials
- Intelligence Services
- Attack on Ukraine
- Arms Trade
- Drones
- Central Criminal Court
- Bulgaria
- Germany
- Russia's Spy Ring
- Mercenary Services
- African Operations
- Elon Musk
- SpaceX
- Starlink
- The employment policy of the Russian spy ring, as allegedly revealed in court documents, includes discussions involving Jan Marsalek, the ex-board member of Wirecard, about drone sales for Russia's military operations in Ukraine, trading blood diamonds, and providing mercenaries for Africa.
- Employment in the Russian spy ring seems to extend beyond direct employment from Russian intelligence services, as members, such as Orlin Roussev and Biser Dzhambazov, are reportedly motivated by financial gain.
- In theGeneral News and Crime & Justice categories, it is reported that the ex-Wirecard manager, Jan Marsalek, is facing trials in the United Kingdom, accused of espionage activities with the Russian spy ring in connection with the war-and-conflicts in Ukraine.
- Employment discussions between Marsalek and Roussev reportedly include references to Russia's intelligence services, such as the GRU, and Marsalek is said to have plans to meet with GRU people and a drone procurement expert.
- Despite ongoing investigations for fraud in relation to the collapse of Wirecard, employment for Marsalek continues to cause concern, with allegations of his evasion of prosecution aided by Russian authorities, seen in reports suggesting he is sheltered in Crimea under a false identity.
