Process against Michael Ballweg: fraud position in the millions

Process against Michael Ballweg: fraud position in the millions

In a significant legal proceedings that begins on Wednesday at 9:00 a.m., the founder of the “cross-thinking” movement, Michael Ballweg, is faced with suspected attempted fraud in 9450 cases. According to the public prosecutor, the 49-year-old is said to have collected more than one million euros of several thousand donors by public views, while he was deceptive at the same time about using the funds.

The core of the procedure revolves around the question of whether Ballweg used the collected funds for the movement or whether it put them for personal purposes. In the run -up to the process, his lawyers vehemently rejected the allegations. More than 30 trial days were scheduled that will extend by the end of April 2025, and the Stuttgart District Court will deal with the case.

further criminal allegations

In addition to the fraud, Ballweg is also exposed to the suspicion of tax evasion, which further condenses the legal difficulties for him. In view of an assumed risk of escape, he was taken into custody in June 2022, but from which he was released in April 2023. During his detention period, his supporters regularly took place in front of the prison, who showed their solidarity with Ballweg.

The “transverse thinking” movement that was created during the Corona pandemic from Stuttgart quickly formed in many cities in Germany. The movement that took the political measures to contain the virus saw this as restrictions on their personal freedom. The protection of the constitution observes the movement due to anti -constitutional views, conspiracy theories and anti -Semitic tendencies.

A legal back and forth can also be observed: initially the indictment for attempted fraud was not approved by the criminal chamber of the regional court. However, the Stuttgart Higher Regional Court gave a complaint from the public prosecutor and thus enabled the start of criminal proceedings, while the accusation of money washing was ultimately dropped. The developments are followed carefully because they may have far-reaching consequences for those affected and the “cross-thinking” movement.