Christina Block Trial: Key Witness Admits Mossad Service, June 19

The trial of hotel heiress Christina Block in Hamburg reached a critical juncture on June 18 as the prosecution’s key witness, David Barkay, admitted to working for Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency. Barkay leads Cyber Cupula, the security firm accused of kidnapping Block’s two children in Denmark on New Year’s Eve 2023. His nine-day testimony directly challenges Block’s defense and shapes the court’s view of the alleged crime.

Witness Confirms Intelligence Background

David Barkay testified on day 57 of the trial that he previously served with the Israeli Mossad. When asked if he learned manipulation techniques during his service, Barkay initially hesitated, then stated: “I confirm that I served with the intelligence service.” He refused to provide details, citing Israeli law. Barkay denied ever manipulating people, saying “I have done other things.”

Defense attorney Ingo Bott spent two hours questioning Barkay, reading passages from a book written by a former Mossad mentor. Judge Isabel Hildebrandt repeatedly intervened to clarify Bott’s questions, which she said were unclear. Barkay’s lawyer, Dr. Björn Kruse, blocked some questions, noting they had already been answered in eight previous days of testimony.

The Alleged Kidnapping and Barkay’s Account

Barkay testified that a 10-year-old boy and 13-year-old girl were dragged into a car in Denmark on New Year’s Eve 2023. He stated the children “cried, were shocked and very unhappy.” Barkay claimed he instructed his team to “minimize any violence” and conduct the operation “as humanely as possible.” He also said his men carried no weapons during the abduction.

The prosecution accuses Christina Block of ordering the kidnapping to retrieve her children from their father’s custody in Denmark. Block, 53, denies the charge. Seven defendants face trial, including her partner, ex-sports broadcaster Gerhard Delling, 67.

Family Custody Dispute Behind the Case

Block and her ex-husband Stephan Hensel have four children together. Their oldest daughter, now 20, moved to Denmark with her father in summer 2021 after a dispute. Hensel then refused to return the two youngest children after a weekend visit in August 2021, citing abuse allegations that Block denies. Block has had no contact with the three children living in Denmark.

Block’s attorney Ingo Bott noted at the start of day 56 that “my client is very distressed.” The trial continues with complex cross-examination of Barkay’s credibility and the firm’s role in the alleged abduction.

Trial Proceedings and Courtroom Tensions

The Hamburg court has heard from Barkay for nine days. His testimony has been marked by confusion, with Judge Hildebrandt correcting Bott’s questions and summaries multiple times. Barkay’s legal team has objected to repeated questioning on topics already covered. The trial involves detailed scrutiny of communications, financial records, and operational details of Cyber Cupula’s alleged involvement in the kidnapping.

Final Thoughts

Barkay’s admission of Mossad service adds weight to the prosecution’s case but does not settle the central question: whether Block ordered the kidnapping. The trial will determine if Cyber Cupula acted on her instruction or independently. All defendants maintain their innocence under German law.

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