An appeal hearing began against three suspects over the 2019 killing of German organic farmer Thomas Schwarz, 58, at his home in Bergen. The case was linked to a debt-collection job that reportedly escalated, during which Schwarz was tortured and killed.

Businessman Lukas F., 56, was a central focus on the first day of the appeal proceedings. His alleged role in Schwarz’s death and what he may have sought to conceal were examined.