Hamburg, December 10 – The trial concerning the kidnapping of the children of the Hamburg entrepreneurial family Block, which occurred on New Year’s Eve 2023, resumed after a three-week break. On Wednesday, David Barkay, identified as the alleged mastermind behind the abduction, provided his testimony. Barkay is believed to have made serious accusations against Christina Block prior to the trial.
Heightened Security for Barkay’s Testimony
Security measures were exceptionally stringent on Wednesday, causing a delay in the start of the proceedings. An additional security checkpoint was established directly in front of the courtroom. David Barkay, a witness with a background in an Israeli military special unit and rumored intelligence service involvement, is considered to be at risk.
Christina Block vehemently denies commissioning Barkay and his company, Cyber Cupula, to retrieve her children from their father in Denmark and bring them back to Hamburg. Conversely, Barkay has reportedly incriminated Christina Block before the public prosecutor’s office, stating that she ordered the children’s retrieval.
Barkay Details Meeting with Block and Delling
In his testimony at the Regional Court, Barkay recounted a meeting in early 2023 with Christina Block, her lawyer, and her partner, Gerhard Delling. A translator conveyed his statement: “It was a very emotional meeting.” During this encounter, Block allegedly tasked Barkay with gathering information about the children’s lives in Denmark, including observing their residence. Barkay further stated that if the children were deemed to be in danger, he was to develop a plan for their return. However, he emphasized that the contract explicitly stipulated “without violence.”
The 68-year-old witness further reported that after the initial meeting, he developed a concept and submitted it to the Block Group’s lawyer, who is also currently on trial. In this concept, he mentioned the necessity of a plan for safely returning the children if they were in danger, while reiterating that no violence should be used. Correspondence between his office and a Block Group lawyer also addressed the costs of his company’s services, with 250,000 euros reportedly discussed.
“Tragic Escalation” in Summer 2023
According to Barkay, initial measures included the creation of a chat group on the Signal messaging service, named “Bring the children back.” Surveillance of the home of Block’s ex-husband, Stephan Hensel, commenced, involving the installation of two cameras. However, the information gathered did not facilitate the children’s return. Barkay stated that he had intended to cease operations but was asked by Christina Block and her lawyer to continue.
In the summer of 2023, a “tragic escalation” occurred, Barkay continued. Hensel allegedly prevented the children from visiting their dying grandmother in Hamburg, and they also did not attend her funeral. Barkay described Christina Block’s despair over this as deeply moving. In the autumn of 2023, concerns arose that Hensel might be planning something that could jeopardize the hotel’s IT security. “We offered to check the hotel’s security,” Barkay reported.
Testimony to Continue on Thursday
Just as his narrative reached a crucial point, detailing events in November 2023, shortly before the kidnapping, the presiding judge requested him to stop due to time constraints. His testimony is scheduled to resume on Thursday and for two more days next week.
New Allegations Against Christina Block
According to a media report, Christina Block allegedly instructed agents to investigate a family court judge.
Block Trial: Defense Lawyer Criticizes Block’s Attorney
The lawyer for a confessed defendant from Israel anticipates a conviction for the daughter of the steakhouse founder Block.
Block Kidnapping: What is Known About the Background
The children of Hamburg entrepreneur Christina Block were abducted in Denmark on New Year’s Eve 2023. Details of the case have been heard in court since July 11.
This topic was covered in the program:
NDR 90.3 | NDR 90.3 Aktuell | 10.12.2025 | 5:00 PM
Source: https://www.ndr.de/nachrichten/hamburg/mutmasslicher-entfuehrer-spricht-ueber-emotionales-treffen-mit-christina-block,blockprozess-104.html
