Austrian court extends remand of Slovak in baby food extortion case
A Slovak national remains in custody in Austria. The court in Eisenstadt extended his remand in custody until 17 August.
Austrian court extends remand of Slovak in baby food extortion case
The regional court in Eisenstadt has extended the remand in custody of a Slovak national until 17 August. Austrian police suspect the man of poisoning several jars of baby food in Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. He is also alleged to have extorted the German food manufacturer HiPP.
The suspect was arrested in early May. He had previously worked for HiPP. In an extortion letter, he threatened further attacks in Germany, France, Spain and the Netherlands.
During a search, investigators found rat poison at the man's residence. An analysis showed that the poison was similar to that found in a seized jar of baby food in Austria. According to experts' assessment, the amount of poison in the food would not have endangered life but could have caused health problems. The accused claims he used the seized poison for rat control on a farm in his Slovak homeland.
The Slovak denies poisoning the baby food. He also claims that his previous dismissal from HiPP did not affect him. The charges against him include not only extortion and grievous bodily harm, but also forgery of documents. According to news agency APA, the man has admitted to the forgery allegations. He is said to have forged income statements to obtain large loans.
Source: Seznam Zprávy
Source: Google News CZ — Crime (cs)