Convicted CEO who fled LA for Germany is now one of FBI's most wanted fraudsters
Bernhard Fritsch, a former tech CEO convicted of defrauding investors, has fled to Germany to evade US authorities. Despite being on the FBI's most wanted list, he continues to maintain a public social media presence while living as a fugitive.
Why it matters
The case highlights the challenges of international extradition and the persistence of white-collar criminals who exploit jurisdictional gaps.
At least $7.3 million of investor money is alleged to have ended up in Bernhard Fritsch's personal accounts — funding a Rolls-Royce, a yacht, and a mortgage on his Malibu villa. Mike Windle/Getty Images for StarClub Bernhard Fritsch rubbed elbows with stars and owned a McLaren. Now he's a convicted fraudster, a fugitive, and a top target of the FBI. He can't be extradited from Germany, where he fled after cutting his ankle bracelet. On a sunny day in April, visits a hilltop near Lake Starnberg in Germany. After a hike against the backdrop of the Bavarian mountain panorama, he treats himself to a slice of cake with vanilla ice cream at the Forsthaus Ilkahöhe, a popular hikers' inn. Later, he uploads photos of the outing to Instagram, gushing over the view of the snowy Zugspitze mountain.
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