Ex-Wirecard executive Jan Marsalek is accused of working for Russian intelligence services for years, allegedly running spy networks in Europe and receiving support during his 2020 flight to avoid arrest.

Jan Marsalek, former Wirecard board member, is suspected of long-term collaboration with Russian intelligence agencies, specifically the GRU, and Russian Duma officials. Reports from the Spiegel, ZDF, Austrian Standard, and Russian platform The Insider, citing western intelligence sources, reveal Marsalek allegedly built and operated espionage networks in Europe, targeted individuals unfavorable to the Kremlin, including journalists, and may have transferred sensitive information to Russia. He reportedly accompanied Wagner mercenaries in Syria in 2017. After fleeing in 2020, Russian authorities helped him assume a new identity, posing as a Russian Orthodox priest on Crimea. German politicians urge a special investigator, labeling it a significant Russian espionage and influence operation. The German government has refrained from commenting. Marsalek remains at large, believed to be in Russia, linked to one of Germany's largest financial scandals.