Jürgen Schneider: The path from billion dollar bankrupt” to pensioner - an exclusive interview

Jürgen Schneider: The path from billion dollar bankrupt” to pensioner - an exclusive interview

Dr. Jürgen Schneider, the former real estate king, will soon be 90 years old and reflects on his eventful life, which was marked by a spectacular bankruptcy, escape to Florida and a stay in prison. Despite many media inquiries, he granted BILD am Sonntag an exclusive interview in which he spoke about formative events and insights. Schneider emphasizes that the prison time in Miami was terrible, but it saved his marriage. Growing so old was unexpected for him and he is grateful for the years he gets to spend with his wife.

The couple celebrates Schneider's 90th birthday in a small circle, without much fanfare. Schneider reflects on his time behind bars and emphasizes that he was able to survive imprisonment thanks to the iron will and discipline of his fellow inmates. What was particularly important to him was the reconciliation with his father before his death, which brought peace to him and his family.

The former construction master made a name for himself in the industry in the 1980s through complex renovation projects of historic properties. The crash followed when it was discovered that loan applications had been manipulated and the Schneiders empire collapsed. The banks, especially Deutsche Bank, were responsible for 5.3 billion German marks. Schneider fled to Miami, but later confessed his guilt and turned himself in to German justice.

After his release from prison in 1999, Schneider now lives in seclusion with his wife in the Taunus near Frankfurt. Despite health challenges, including prostate cancer, Schneider remains grateful for his wife's care. Together they reflect on the past few years and show a deep connection. Schneider regrets his actions, especially the burden the circumstances put on his wife, but prison has given their marriage a new depth.