Ex-Wirecard Exec Linked to Russian State’s Global Activities

A Network of Russian State-Backed Operatives and Mercenaries

A recent investigation by The Financial Times has linked a former top executive at German payment processing company Wirecard to a network of Russian state-backed operatives and mercenaries. Paul Marsalek, who served as Chief Operating Officer at Wirecard until his departure in 2020, is at the center of this web of connections.

A Lavish Lifestyle and Connections to the Russian Government

Marsalek was known for his extravagant lifestyle and connections to the Russian government. Friends described him as “interesting” and “throwing a lot of money around”. He would often travel to Russia on private jets, meeting with far-right politicians who held pro-Russia views.

Secret Gatherings and Classified Documents

Marsalek hosted secret gatherings at a Munich mansion rented from the Russian consulate. In 2018, he handed over classified documents to a journalist, containing official Russian government talking points on the Skripal poisoning and the chemical formula for Novichok. The documents were marked “classified”, raising suspicions about Marsalek’s connections to Russian intelligence.

Ties to Russian State-Backed Organizations

The investigation reveals that Marsalek had ties to several Russian state-backed organizations, including:

• R.S.B. Group: involved in military operations in Africa
• Other organizations with suspected links to Russian intelligence agencies

Fraud Allegations and Wirecard’s Business Practices

At the time of his departure from Wirecard, the company had a market capitalization of €28 billion and was processing payments for over 250,000 merchants. However, an investigation by The Financial Times found that Marsalek may have defrauded the company out of tens of millions of euros, if not hundreds of millions.

Questions About Wirecard’s Relationship with Russian State-Backed Entities

The case raises questions about Wirecard’s business practices and its relationship with Russian state-backed entities. Markus Braun, Wirecard’s former CEO, took out a personal loan of €150 million from Deutsche Bank using his Wirecard shares as collateral.

The Complex Web of Connections

This case highlights the complex web of connections between Russian state-backed operatives, mercenaries, and businessmen, and their influence on global economic and political affairs.