Fugitive Ex-Wirecard Manager's Chat with Alleged Spy: Weapon Deals, Drones, and More
Marsalek discussed potential arms transactions with Russia, as conveyed in his conversation with Spy regarding weapons sales.
Chat logs point to conversations between the elusive former Wirecard board member, Jan Marsalek, and a suspected Russian spy. These discussions supposedly revolved around the procurement of drones for the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, trading in blood diamonds, and providing mercenaries in Africa.
In light of these allegations, Marsalek and a UK-based spy ring's member, Orlin Roussev, are said to have discussed potential drone acquisitions and other transactions. Furthermore, wheat deliveries to Cameroon were mentioned by Roussev, who hinted at the possibility of ordering weapons alongside the shipment. According to the chat logs, Marsalek responded, "We can arrange just about anything they require, except nuclear weapons... even nuclear weapons if they pay."
The trial of the Russian spy ring is currently underway at the Old Bailey. Prosecutors argue that the spies were not directly connected to the Russian intelligence service but were primarily motivated by financial incentives. Six Bulgarian defendants stand to face a maximum of 14 years in prison for espionage. They are accused of being tasked by Marsalek to gather information on Ukrainian soldiers during their training in Germany. Roussev and his deputy, Biser Dzhambazov, confessed to the charges last year. The Russian embassy in London declined to comment on the case.
In their exchanges, Marsalek and Roussev often discussed the Russian military intelligence service GRU and other related security agencies. Marsalek reportedly revealed that he had met with "GRU individuals" and planned to introduce Roussev to a drone procurement expert for further discussions. Roussev also praised Elon Musk's Starlink satellite system, suggesting that anything is allowed from Russia "...and Iran there."
Jan Marsalek was the driving force behind Wirecard AG, which imploded in 2020. He is wanted by the Munich Public Prosecutor's Office on charges of fraud, embezzlement, and espionage. An international arrest warrant has been issued for him after his trail went cold in Belarus following Wirecard's collapse. Reports have suggested that Marsalek may have fled to Russia.
ulations linking him directly to these specific topics would be mere speculation and unsupported by the sources.
Source: ntv.de, jpe/rts
- Wirecard
- Espionage
- Russia
- United Kingdom
- Trials
- Intelligence Services
- Attack on Ukraine
[1] German prosecutors open new Wirecard probe[2] Former Wirecard executive arrested in Germany on fraud charges[3] Interpol red notice issued for fugitive ex-Wirecard executive
- The elusive former Wirecard board member, Jan Marsalek, is allegedly linked to espionage activities, as chat logs suggest conversations with a suspected Russian spy regarding drone acquisitions and transactions.
- Prosecutors argue that a Russian spy ring, which includes six Bulgarian defendants, were primarily motivated by financial incentives, and are standing trial at the Old Bailey in the United Kingdom for espionage.
- Jan Marsalek is wanted by the Munich Public Prosecutor's Office on charges of fraud, embezzlement, and espionage, and an international arrest warrant has been issued for him.
- The trial and allegations against Marsalek are reminiscent of the collapse of Wirecard AG in 2020, pointing to the intricate web of financial crimes and intelligence connections that continue to surround him.
- In addition to his alleged involvement in espionage, Marsalek reportedly discussed intelligence services such as the Russian military intelligence service GRU and related security agencies in his exchanges with a UK-based spy ring member, Orlin Roussev.
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