Court Upholds Asset Seizure – Attorneys File Appeal with Higher Regional Court

Regional Court Maintains Initial Suspicion – Defense Calls Seizure Disproportionate

The 10th Economic Criminal Chamber continues to base its decision on an initial suspicion. Despite nearly eight months of evidence hearings, it claims that a forfeiture claim of €131,000 cannot be ruled out. The defense, however, points to the length of the seizure — nearly three years — and the lack of incriminating evidence. Across 37 trial days, no findings have substantiated the initial suspicion.

“There have been no relevant asset transfers since December 2021. The prosecution has provided no concrete proof during the trial and has filed no further motions for evidence,” said attorney Hans Böhme. A prolonged asset seizure without procedural progress is incompatible with the rulings of both the German Constitutional Court and the European Court of Human Rights.

Seizure Without Legal Basis? Criticism of Disproportionate Action

In their appeal, the defense argues that the court merely cited vague concerns about potential asset loss. No real risk has been substantiated. In fact, the tax authorities themselves confirmed that media access GmbH had incurred expenses directly linked to QUERDENKEN-711 — which contradicts any claim of personal use. The Constitutional Court has emphasized: The longer a case drags on, the stronger the justification must be for continued seizure. In this case, the Stuttgart prosecution has not filed a single motion for months — signaling procedural stagnation.

Böhme emphasized:

“The prosecution has failed for months to produce evidence. There are no sufficient facts to justify forfeiture — and therefore no legal basis for continued seizure.”

Background

The €131,000 asset seizure against media access GmbH was confirmed by the Higher Regional Court in January 2024. The Stuttgart prosecution believes that Michael Ballweg, as managing director of the GmbH, transferred donations from the QUERDENKEN-711 environment into the company. The defense, however, insists that all fund usage was either purpose-driven or properly documented.

Higher Regional Court Now in Charge – Next Trial Date in June

The Higher Regional Court of Stuttgart will now rule on the appeal. The timing of the decision remains uncertain. The next court session in the main trial is scheduled for June 5, 2025.