Karl-Erivan Haub, a former CEO of the Tengelmann Group, has become a focal point of speculation in Germany as new evidence surfaces suggesting he may still be alive. Officially declared dead by a German court nearly four years ago, Haub vanished during a ski tour near Zermatt in April 2018. The case, regarded as one of the biggest mysteries in contemporary German history, has captivated public and media attention, particularly with allegations surfacing that he might have been spotted in Moscow back in February 2021.
Recent reports, sourced from the prestigious Manager Magazin, present several photographs claimed to show Haub in Russia. The pictures, although somewhat unclear, were taken from surveillance cameras and have been reviewed by forensic experts who reportedly attest to the man's resemblance to Haub. These developments bring further intrigue to a case already laden with unanswered questions. "It's not definitive, but the resemblance is striking," commented Liv von Boetticher, an investigative journalist closely following the case.
As the story unfolds, the implications for Haub's family—especially his brother Christian—become increasingly complex. Christian Haub, who is managing the family business in his brother's absence, faces accusations of making false statements in 2021, when he declared he had "no solid evidence, let alone proof" that Karl-Erivan was still alive. With these new photographs in circulation, Christian’s assertion is now under scrutiny. He has countered allegations by claiming the images are fabrications, stating through legal representatives that the man depicted in the photographs is not his brother.
The timeline of Karl-Erivan Haub's last known activities heightens the mystery. Following the death of their father, both Karl-Erivan and Christian were in touch with business contacts in Russia, a country where Karl-Erivan had established significant business ties over the years. Reports indicate he planned to invest in the Russian market, with intentions to open 150 Plus discount stores—a venture that never saw the light of day, supposedly leading to substantial financial losses.
Furthermore, the data recovered from Karl-Erivan's phone shows he was in extensive contact with Russian numbers in the months leading up to his disappearance. This pattern of communication raises questions about his potential intentions to sever ties with his previous life. Many speculate whether he faked his own death to escape the pressures of his business dealings in a country known for its complexities involving organized crime.
Adding to the tale of mysterious disappearances, Haub is not alone. Other notable figures in recent history have faced similar fates. Among them is Daniel Küblböck, who disappeared in September 2018 while on a cruise, and was officially declared dead in March 2021. His case, much like Haub’s, raises questions about the circumstances leading to their untraceable exits from the public eye.
The case of Swedish director Daniel Lind Lagerlöf also resonates here, as he vanished while scouting locations in 2011. His disappearance sparked immediate media attention, much like that of Haub. Despite searches, he and his fate remain unknown, leaving behind a trail of speculation.
Joe Pichler, a former child actor, is another figure whose disappearance puzzled the public. Pichler vanished in 2006 at the age of 18, leaving behind an abandoned vehicle with an ambiguous letter inside. Each of these cases highlights the complexities and emotional weight of unsolved mysteries surrounding their disappearances.
As the investigation regarding Haub continues, new developments are anticipated. The possibility that he is alive in Russia amid stark recommendations not to engage with criminal elements raises the stakes significantly. Investigators are not ruling out the influence of the Russian mafia or other business figures, including the recently deceased oligarch Sergej Grischin, who may have played a part in Haub's current status.
Meanwhile, the FBI and CIA reportedly became involved in the case immediately following Haub's disappearance, focusing their efforts around the Matterhorn region. Their interest underscores not only the high-profile nature of the case but also its international implications given Haub's connections.
To date, the fate of Karl-Erivan Haub remains unclear. Does he live a new life obscured under a different identity, or has he unfortunately met with foul play? The emergence of photos depicting him alive at a time when he was declared dead adds another layer of intrigue. However, the doubts surrounding their authenticity keep observers asking, "Is it really him?"
In light of the recent revelations, what remains crystal clear is the profound impact of Karl-Erivan Haub's disappearance—both personally for his family and publicly within the wider community that closely follows this unfolding mystery.
