Three brothers in Berlin on trial for extortion of businessman
Three brothers are standing trial at Berlin's regional court: a businessman is alleged to have been extorted for a loss running into millions of euros. The main defendant rejects the allegations.
Berlin trial: businessman allegedly forced at gunpoint to divest business shares
A trial against three brothers has begun at Berlin's regional court, accused of extorting a 63-year-old businessman. According to zeit.de, the victim was allegedly massively threatened in order to force him to sell company shares at a price far below market value.
According to the indictment, the former owner of several companies ultimately sold business shares for 355,000 euros to the 38-year-old main defendant — despite their actual value being around two million euros higher.
Death threats, abduction threats, gun to head
The 38-year-old property developer is accused of, among other things, extortion with violence, attempted coercion and threats. His twin brother is accused of complicity in one of the acts, and the 32-year-old third brother of aiding and abetting.
The crimes are said to have taken place in 2020 and 2021. According to the indictment, the property developer wanted to construct a "climate of threats" together with his twin brother and other accomplices. The businessman was threatened with death, as well as with the abduction of his children and the killing of his brother.
Testifying in court, the 63-year-old recounted that a gun was also held to his head. The main defendant had initially been a business partner who had granted him a loan of around 400,000 euros. "It went well for five years, then he accused me of fraud," the witness said. Out of fear, he gave in to the demands.
Second extortion round over transfer tax
Shortly after the contract was signed, the main defendant is said to have discovered that around 500,000 euros in transfer tax would be incurred for the share transfer. He is then said to have put pressure on the 63-year-old again — with the aim of unwinding the contracts and subsequently selling the shares at an even lower price. According to the indictment, the 32-year-old defendant acted as the buyer of part of the shares.
The defence counsel for the main defendant stated that his client rejects the allegations "with emphasis". The twin brother also categorically denied the accusations through his lawyer; the 32-year-old remained silent. The trial will continue on 7 October.
Source: Google News AT — Crime (de)