Ex-employee takes a stand in Wirecard process: “Everything was incomplete, everything did not fit”

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In the Wirecard trial, a former employee on the executive floor of the DAX group, which collapsed in 2020, confirmed years of disinterest in good corporate governance. In her statement on Wednesday, the 42-year-old controller reported that Wirecard’s financial planning and control was chaotic – including former CEO Markus Braun (55), who had been in custody for three and a half years. “There was no interest in supporting us,” the witness said. “It was always a struggle to get the data.”

Controllers in companies are not only responsible for controlling, but also for planning and controlling finances. According to the 42-year-old, Wirecard did not even have an integrated data platform for the business figures of the various business units. The auditors explained the shortages to the board, but according to the witness, nothing changed. “I always had the impression that it was not a priority.”

The chief accountant has been silent since the start of the process

The Public Prosecution Service accuses Braun and his two co-defendants of fabricating billions in non-existent sales as a gang of fraudsters. According to the indictment, these fictitious sales were made through so-called third-party partners in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, who processed credit card payments on behalf of Wirecard. The third-party company was separated from the rest of the business, the witness reported. “Everything was incomplete, everything didn’t fit. It was always a black box.”

Braun has denied all allegations since the trial began. Manager Oliver Bellenhaus (50), who worked for Wirecard in Dubai until 2020, has admitted most of the allegations and accused Braun of complicity, which the former CEO denies. The third defendant, the former chief accountant, has remained silent since the start of the trial. (SDA)

Source: Blick