German lawyer Eckart Seith, who uncovered criminal cum-ex transactions and billions in damages to public finances with his investigations, is on trial in Switzerland on charges of economic espionage. The Zurich prosecutor accuses Seith of obtaining internal documents of the Swiss bank J. Safra Sarasin and handing them over to the German judiciary. They are demanding a prison sentence of more than three years.

Seith's hints played a central role in exposing the cum-ex scandal, where dubious share transactions led to multiple refunds of capital gains taxes. These transactions resulted in enormous losses for the state coffers. Former chief investigator from Cologne, Anne Brorhilker, who led the cum-ex investigations, emphasized the importance of Seith's work in court. "Without his information, the investigations would not have gotten underway," said Brorhilker, who publicly advocated for the lawyer's acquittal.

The current trial before the Zurich High Court is a continuation of a years-long legal dispute. Already in 2019, Seith was largely acquitted, but the proceedings dragged through several instances. The allegations relate to 2013, when Seith obtained compensation for a client who lost 50 million euros through Cum-ex deals.

Seith defended his actions in court: "When serious crimes occur and someone learns about them and informs the authorities, it cannot be reprehensible." He also sees the case as a signal for dealing with financial crime in Switzerland. "A conviction would make Switzerland appear as a refuge for international financial market crime," he warned.

Supporters demonstrated for Seith's acquittal before the Zurich court, including representatives of the association Finanzwende, which advocates for transparency and justice in the financial market. Brorhilker, who is now co-managing director of the association, criticized the sluggish handling of the Cum-ex scandal in Germany and described Seith's involvement as indispensable.

The outcome of the trial is considered pivotal for handling whistleblowing and financial crime on an international level. A verdict is expected in the coming weeks.