Hi everyone. I've been following this topic and I feel for Maria and Bernhard aswell. My sincere wish is that Bernhard really loves Maria and does what is best for her when the moment comes.
I can feel your pain Bernhard and I am sorry to hear it has lead to this kinda situation. Pls always remember that love is not about yourself, it is about the other person. The biggest act of love is to give yourself for someone else. Whatever you do never forget that.
About the case. If Bernhard is smart he has planned this for some time now even whole year. Then he's got it all figured out for years as a daydream kinda thing. Maybe he has found a way to go to Asia or other distant and cheap country with Maria where they can afford to live and dissappear. He knows that he cannot find any place in EU to settle down for good. Perhaps he's gotten identities and passports from deceaced people (I heard a rumor that in eastern europe the corrupt police sell identites of missing people), relocated to that country, given his car to some people for a little money and departed the country with airplane.
Is there any close by eastern country that could has a no-visa policy with some Asian or South American country? I know that Russia and Thailand have one and it would be a nice retirement destination for many men and couples. With fake Russian ID's they could go to Kalingrad that is quite close to Gemany I think? From there it's easy to fly to Moscow / St. Petersburg and proceed to Thailand. And I am sure many Kalinggrad folks would be happy to receive his car for compensation of little help.
Or if Bernhard is just acting out of moment's passion then he and Maria will turn up in a few weeks when money runs out and reality bites.
Hopefully all will get out of this in one piece.