Signa founder Benko in court in Innsbruck – up to ten years' imprisonment threatened
René Benko is facing the Innsbruck regional court on charges of aggravated fraud and fraudulent insolvency. A verdict is expected as early as tomorrow.
Benko trial in Innsbruck: aggravated fraud and million-euro damage in focus
As oe24.at reports, René Benko, founder of the collapsed Signa group, must again answer to the Innsbruck regional court. The hearing began at 8:45 a.m. and is scheduled to last until 8 p.m. A verdict is expected as early as Wednesday – if convicted, the 49-year-old faces up to ten years' imprisonment. The presumption of innocence applies.
The indictment from the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA) is directed against Benko on charges of aggravated fraud and fraudulent insolvency. The focus is on a financial transaction with former Strabag chief Hans Peter Haselsteiner and his family foundation. Haselsteiner is expected to testify as one of 13 witnesses.
The WKStA accuses Benko of issuing a false guarantee to representatives of the Haselsteiner private foundation. This allegedly caused damage of around five million euros to the foundation. According to investigative findings, those responsible for the foundation were induced to provide fresh capital and to waive existing claims. The agreed payment failed to materialise entirely. The WKStA assumes unlawful enrichment in favour of Signa Holding and a further group company.
Benko's defence lawyer Norbert Wess had decisively rejected the accusations after the indictment became known in June.
Particular attention is being paid to today's appearance also because it is Benko's first court date wearing an electronic ankle bracelet. The hearing is being held once again in the large jury courtroom – with intense media interest. It remains unclear whether Benko will himself respond to the charges or place the emphasis on his lawyer's submissions.
Source: Google News AT — Crime (de)