Berlin Courtroom Drama: A Seven-Year-Old Murder Case Unfolds
A classic contract killing is currently being heard in the Berlin Regional Court (Landgericht Berlin). The crime, committed at Alexanderplatz, occurred almost seven years ago. Three men are on trial: the alleged client, the intermediary, and the hitman.
The charges include murder by ambush and incitement to murder. All those involved in the plot are said to have connections to organized crime.
Prosecutors believe that Andrey C., a German-Russian businessman, allegedly sent his “trusted associate” Oleg M. To locate a hitman. Alexandr Z., from Moldova, was reportedly found and offered a down payment of 1000 euros to travel to Berlin and murder the son of a former business partner of C. The alleged motive: revenge and debt. The victim’s father allegedly handled Andrey C.’s 80,000 euro debt collection too aggressively.
On the first day of the trial, the accused men remained silent in the courtroom. Killer Alexandr Z. Held a copy of the prison newspaper “Lichtblick” in front of his face. All three have been in pre-trial detention since last summer and, through their lawyers, stated they would not comment on the allegations.
The Murder
Background: On March 18, 2019, Edgar O. (26) was murdered by ambush at Alexanderplatz in Mitte. The young man had just left perform and was walking when he was attacked. He was stabbed twice in the chest, one wound being fatal. Surveillance cameras captured the killer fleeing the scene.
The crime remained unsolved for a long time.
Arrests six years later: On June 24, 2025, Latvian and Romanian authorities arrested the alleged hitman in Romania. Days later, Andrey C. And Oleg M. Were arrested in Riga (Latvia) and Bucharest (Romania).
According to the indictment, Andrey C. Allegedly ordered the murder to “punish the victim’s father and make it clear to him that he should refrain from his demands totaling over 80,000 euros.”
The trial will continue on March 3rd.
The Moabit Criminal Court: A Hub for Justice
The Moabit Criminal Court, where this trial is taking place, is the central criminal court of Berlin, located in the Moabit district. It is the largest criminal court in Europe, with 340 judges and 360 prosecutors. The current Baroque Revival building was erected between 1902 and 1906 and hosts 21 courtrooms. It receives approximately 60,000 new criminal cases annually, along with 100,000 other cases and 24,000 fine cases.
FAQ
Q: Where is the Moabit Criminal Court located?
A: The Moabit Criminal Court is located in the Moabit district of Berlin, Germany.
Q: How many cases does the Moabit Criminal Court handle each year?
A: The court handles approximately 60,000 new criminal cases, 100,000 other cases, and 24,000 fine cases annually.
Q: When did the murder take place?
A: The murder took place on March 18, 2019.
Q: Where were the suspects arrested?
A: The suspects were arrested in Romania, Latvia, and Romania.
Pro Tip: Following high-profile cases like this one can provide insight into the complexities of international crime and the legal processes involved.
Stay updated on this developing story. Explore more articles on international crime and the German legal system for further insights.
