A groundbreaking criminal trial began in Hamburg on Friday, 9th January 2026, as a 21-year-old German man faced court over allegations he orchestrated a horrific online campaign that led to the suicide of a 13-year-old boy in the United States.
Unprecedented Charges in a Cross-Border Case
The defendant, who prosecutors say operated under the alias "White Tiger," is charged with one count of murder and five counts of attempted murder. This marks the first time in Germany an individual has been tried for murder in connection with a suicide that occurred in a different country.
The trial is being held behind closed doors to protect the age and vulnerability of the victims. It is scheduled to run until December, with an extensive 82 hearings planned, meaning a verdict is not anticipated this year.
A Vast Catalogue of Alleged Online Abuse
Authorities allege the man led a cybercriminal network known as '764,' which systematically targeted children aged between 11 and 15 across four nations: Germany, Canada, Finland, and the United States.
Prosecutors state he is accused of a staggering 204 separate offences committed between January 2021 and September 2023, involving more than 30 young victims. The charges detail a pattern of grooming, where the accused allegedly made vulnerable children emotionally dependent on him via social media.
He is then accused of exploiting this trust to coerce them into committing acts of self-harm and sexual abuse, which were recorded and used for blackmail. The case came to light following a tip-off from the FBI, which was investigating the American teenager's death. Hamburg police subsequently arrested the suspect at his parents' home last summer.
Legal Complexities and Potential Sentence
Judge Marayke Frantzen noted a significant legal constraint before proceedings started. As the defendant was a minor at the time the crimes were committed, the maximum sentence he faces if convicted is between six months and ten years in prison. This contrasts sharply with the typical 15-year sentence for murder in Germany.
The defence has strongly contested the charges. Lawyer Christiane Yueksel argued ahead of the trial that accusing her client of indirectly committing murder is "a construct that is factually incorrect and cannot be proven."
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI), email jo@samaritans.org, or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch. If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
