Overview

• Defendant Tal S., the only accused in custody, continued testifying Friday with a detailed confession and a statement of remorse about the New Year’s Eve 2023/24 operation.
• He described a planned mission involving the Israeli security outfit Cyber Cupula, said its chief David B. coordinated the effort, and testified that participants were promised 10,000 euros each.
• His account conflicts with Christina Block’s prior statements, asserting she appeared composed at a post‑abduction meeting and did not ask about the children’s condition, while he said the children resisted and he gagged the daughter with tape.
• Prosecutors maintain Block instigated the abduction, and Hamburg authorities have also opened an investigation that involves former BND chief August Hanning, who denies the allegations.
• Evidence before the court includes audio captured by an alarm device worn by the boy, the trial has been extended by roughly 20 days into spring 2026, and the next hearing is set for September 2.