Overview

• The trial opened at Essen Regional Court on July 31 and the 58-year-old defendant has remained silent from pretrial detention.
• Prosecutors say he abused seven underage boys from six clubs by grooming them with promises of professional careers.
• Alleged offenses occurred during weekend sleepovers at his apartment and during isolated car rides to remote parking lots.
• Charges include physical violence such as beatings with a stick and use of an electroshock device.
• A verdict is scheduled for October 2025 after prosecutors present evidence delineating two decades of conduct.