ADVERTISEMENT

Wirecard's former No. 2 has disappeared after its $2 billion accounting scandal, and nobody knows where he is

Wirecard's former chief operating officer Jan Marsalek has not been in contact with Wirecard executives since June 22 and nobody seems to know where he is, the Wall Street Journal reported.

  • He was known as the second in command for German payment processor Wirecard.
  • Wirecard filed for insolvency almost 2 weeks ago, following a $2 billion accounting scandal.
  • The fintech's former CEO Markus Braun was arrested on suspicion of market fraud.
  • Marsalek reportedly entered Philippines on June 23, but immigration sources told the Journal this could have been faked by airport personnel.
  • Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories .
ADVERTISEMENT

Jan Marsalek, Wirecard's former chief operating officer, has not been seen since the company terminated his employment amid its $2 billion accounting scandal, the Wall Street Journal reported last week.

Marsalek has stopped responding to messages sent by Wirecard executives, according to people familar with the matter.

Remaining executives believe Marsalek has absconded, the people told the Journal.One person familiar with the search said German authorities are looking for him.

ADVERTISEMENT

The German payment processor's former chief executive Markus Braun resigned on June 18. He was then arrested days later.

According to a consultant at Wirecard, Wirecard's interim management is cooperating with authorities and digging deeper into Marsalek's role at the company.

The management is exploring Marsalek's dealings with external partners, which were supposed to process payments for the fintech where it lacked necessary licenses.

Revenue generated from three of those partners was meant to be paid into escrow accounts run by a trustee.

ADVERTISEMENT

Wirecard is not aware whether the money ever entered because of a $2 billion shortfall in the accounts.

The Journal said, citing immigration authorities, records are hinting Marsalek arrived in Philippines on June 23 and left within a day.

Read more: 'We may have a blow-up': Famed investor Jim Rogers explains how central bank 'madness' has the stock market hurtling towards another crash But Markk Perete, spokesman and secretary for the Philippine Department for Justice, casts doubt on whether this is true and has not ruled out the possibility logs were faked by immigration or airport personnel. Marsalek reportedly sent a message to a friend via Telegram 2 days after Wirecard's $2 billion plug in its finances became publicly known. He messaged his friend he was "in a safe place." Read more: Bank of America identifies 3 indicators that could make or break the stock market this summer and warns they're all deteriorating fast While Braun was the poster child of the German fintech, Marsalek was branded as second in command and the brain child responsible for dealmaking behind the scenes. Wirecard filed for insolvency last almost a fortnight ago following a dramatic week which saw the resignation and arrest Braun on suspicion of market manipulation and false accounting practises. Wirecard's collapse Braun resigned after more than $2 billion of cash went missing from the company's balance sheet. The company said two weeks ago the money likely never existed. The firm had said its missing cash was being held in two banks in the Philippines, but later the central bank of the Philippines denied the claim . Wirecard is still continuing its business activities despite filing for insolvency. The decision of whether to open insolvency proceedings is currently being reviewed and a provisional insolvency administrator is expected to be appointed soon. NOW WATCH: What makes 'Parasite' so shocking is the twist that happens in a 10-minute sequence See Also: Stock analysts are having a moment in the sun as the market gets flipped upside down. We spoke to 11 of the top-ranked on Wall Street to get their forecasts and single-stock picks. Top US manufacturing index jumped the most since 1980 in June as reopenings spurred growth Top VCs reveal what they want to hear in a pitch that will convince them to fund your startup and what you should avoid saying

FOLLOW BUSINESS INSIDER AFRICA

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Recommended articles

Africa's gaming gold rush: Unveiling the surge in online gambling

Africa's gaming gold rush: Unveiling the surge in online gambling

Seven African countries added to Meta's AI service coverage

Seven African countries added to Meta's AI service coverage

10 African countries with the lowest inflation rates in 2024

10 African countries with the lowest inflation rates in 2024

Davido launches his label Nine+ in partnership with UnitedMasters

Davido launches his label Nine+ in partnership with UnitedMasters

Nigeria's economic ranking drops to fourth in Africa

Nigeria's economic ranking drops to fourth in Africa

Moscow inaugurates its House of Africa

Moscow inaugurates its House of Africa

The CBN justifies $2b billion loss in forex, dispelling Naira defense claims

The CBN justifies $2b billion loss in forex, dispelling Naira defense claims

10 best airports in Africa in 2024

10 best airports in Africa in 2024

10 most expensive cities in Africa in 2024

10 most expensive cities in Africa in 2024

ADVERTISEMENT