A fugitive tech CEO, Bernhard Eugen Fritsch, is evading a lengthy federal prison term by sharing his extravagant life in Bavaria on Instagram. Currently, he is already facing years in prison after his actress girlfriend reportedly aided his escape from law enforcement.
Following his disappearance and failure to attend a court hearing in his fraud case, the 64-year-old has been active online, posting images of his Alpine adventures in Germany. His updates, which are out of reach for U.S. authorities, include holiday greetings and glimpses of luxury items, like a $10,000 limited edition rum.
While Fritsch seems to be relishing his time abroad, his girlfriend, 63-year-old Lucinda Manera, has admitted to conspiring to help him evade capture. Federal prosecutors revealed that she pleaded guilty to a felony charge of being an accessory after the fact. Her sentencing is set for October 5, and she could face five years in prison for her role in his escape.
According to court documents, Manera misled FBI investigators about her last contact with Fritsch and financed his getaway after he fled the U.S. in early June 2025. Reports indicate she made over ten payments totaling around $7,475, which included hotel stays for Fritsch while he was in Mexico.
Additionally, she is said to have looked into ways for Fritsch to travel from Mexico to Germany, a country that generally doesn’t extradite its citizens. A federal jury had previously convicted Fritsch of wire fraud in April 2025 for defrauding investors of more than $20 million through his company, StarClub Inc.
Fritsch’s company had promised to revolutionize celebrity endorsements with its StarSight app, but prosecutors allege that he misled investors about crucial media deals and revenues, ultimately enriching himself with lavish purchases like luxury cars and a yacht.
After his escape, Fritsch was sentenced in absentia to 15 years in federal prison, along with orders to pay over $26.8 million in restitution and a fine of $35,000. Although his initial appeal was dismissed, he could potentially pursue rehabilitation if he turns himself in by a specific court deadline.
