Four wealthy German pensioners have been put on trial in Germany for allegedly adducting the man who controlled their investments.

According to prosecutors, the four were angered after their investments disappeared in the middle of last year's market crash.

They are on trial for allegedly kidnapping their financial advisor from his apartment in Speyer, and holding him hostage in a dungeon.

It is believed the advisor was first bound and gagged by the four and driven halfway across Germany in the trunk of a car.

During the trip, prosecutors have said the man was punched to keep him quiet and prevent an escape.

When they had him in a cellar, the retirees allegedly forced the advisor to sign documents promising to return them nearly 2.5 million euros.

The hostage was later freed by armed police near Chiemsee, a resort area in the south-east of Germany.

The trial, being held in Traunstein, has been partially suspended because on of the defendants is ill.