After more than 3.5 years

Wirecard key witness released from custody

The accused Wirecard manager Oliver Bellenhaus (in an archive photo at the end of 2022) is released from custody after more than three and a half years.(Bild: AFP/Christof Stache)

The accused Wirecard manager Oliver Bellenhaus has been released from custody after more than three and a half years. The Munich Regional Court has suspended the arrest warrant and ordered his release, a court spokesperson said on Tuesday.

The 50-year-old former representative of the payment processor in Dubai is expected to leave the prison in Munich-Stadelheim on Tuesday. Bellenhaus is considered a key witness in the trial surrounding Wirecard's bankruptcy.

Turned himself in to theauthorities after insolvency
Shortly after the insolvency in June 2020, he turned himself in to the authorities and admitted that a large part of Wirecard's Asian business had been practically invented - something that the then CEO Markus Braun denies.

Bellenhaus must surrender passport
The reason for his release is the long period of imprisonment, his confession and his efforts to make amends for the damage, said the spokesperson. However, Bellenhaus must surrender his passport and report regularly to the police.