Ex-captain of Preußen Münster charged with charity fraud after €54,000 scandal
Marc Lorenz, the former captain of Preußen Münster, now faces fraud charges in a district court. Prosecutors claim he kept over €54,000 raised for charity before eventually transferring the money. The club has already cut ties with him following the allegations. During his time as player and captain, Lorenz reportedly collected between €500 and €1,000 each month for the 'Clinic Clowns' at Münster University Hospital. Over several years, these donations added up to tens of thousands of euros. The charges stem from ten separate fundraising events where the funds were allegedly withheld.
Preußen Münster dismissed Lorenz without notice after the accusations surfaced. The club later settled the matter out of court. His defence argues that personal struggles caused delays in passing on the money, not criminal intent.
While Lorenz did transfer the donations to the intended charities, prosecutors insist the initial misuse still constitutes fraud. The court must now decide whether to move forward with the case. Lorenz maintains his innocence until a verdict is reached. The district court will determine if the case against Lorenz proceeds. If convicted, the former footballer could face legal consequences for the alleged fraud. The outcome will also clarify whether the delayed transfers were a breach of trust or simply a result of personal difficulties.
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