April 7, 2026, 12:02 pm | Read time: 2 minutes
In the trial concerning the former streaming portal “Movie2k.to,” the main defendant’s assets are coming into focus. The court must determine whether the state can access the billions in funds.
The trial began at the end of February, and an important decision is already looming. By the next hearing on April 13, the prosecution and defense are expected to present initial considerations. A comprehensive confession by the main defendant could lead to a suspended sentence of one to one and a half years. This was stated by the presiding judge, Karsten Nickel, to the dpa. However, it must first be clarified what will happen to the defendant’s assets.
Assets as Central Point of Negotiation
The financial resources of the 42-year-old are at the center of discussions between the court, defense, and prosecution. These negotiations are currently taking place behind closed doors. The goal is to lay the groundwork for a possible agreement. The key issue is how the assets are legally classified and what implications this has for the proceedings.
Billions from Bitcoin Sales
After his arrest in 2023, the main defendant handed over about 50,000 Bitcoins to investigators. Due to the significant increase in value, these brought in around 2.64 billion euros. These funds are currently managed by the Saxony State Justice Treasury but remain legally the property of the main defendant.
Even More Assets in Sight
Investigators believe the 42-year-old may possess an additional 57,000 Bitcoins. At the current rate, these could be worth around 3.3 billion euros. This would significantly expand the scope of the case. The court must independently examine whether and to what extent the assets can be legally seized and how to handle the already secured funds.
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From Streaming Portal to Arrest
“Movie2k.to” was one of the most well-known illegal streaming portals for years. Users could access films and series without a license, funded by advertising. The site was shut down in 2013. The alleged main perpetrator was not arrested until 2023 abroad and was extradited to Germany.
Charges Against the Defendants
The 42-year-old is facing charges at the regional court, including commercial money laundering in numerous cases. A co-defendant, aged 39, is also charged with money laundering and tax evasion. Charges of mass copyright infringement are no longer part of the proceedings, as they have since expired.