#177 Der Jäger
Summary
Philipp und Gast Solveigode discuss the Balsam AG scandal, a massive fraud involving fabricated sports flooring projects. The episode details how investigator Karl-Heinz Wallmeier uncovered the deception despite initial resistance from prosecutors. They explore how CEO Friedel Balsam and CFO Klaus Schienkamp used silent factoring to hide losses and secure millions in loans. The story highlights the collapse of a regional champion and the personal toll on employees and the community.
Topics discussed
Introduction and guest Solveig Ode
The Balsam scandal and the whistleblower
Investigator Wallmeier's initial efforts
Media exposure and the rise of Balsam AG
The fraud mechanism and Klaus Schlieenkamp
Psychological motives and the trial begins
Verdicts, sentences, and Schlieenkamp's escape
The manhunt in the Philippines
Aftermath, legacy, and conclusion
Listen ad-free on Castria