Vienna plumbers accused of defrauding 1.2 million euros
Four suspects are believed to have hidden assets and deceived customers regarding maintenance work in connection with insolvencies of their heating and sanitary engineering companies since 2022.
Vienna plumbers accused of defrauding 1.2 million euros
Economic investigators in Vienna have identified four people who allegedly caused damage of approximately 1.2 million euros through several installation technology companies. The men, some of whom are related to each other, are suspected of having shifted money and company assets in the course of insolvency proceedings since 2022. In doing so, they are also believed to have defrauded heating customers.
According to MeinBezirk.at, the suspects are said to have withdrawn large sums from company accounts or transferred them abroad. Using the money as well as vehicles, they subsequently founded new companies. Investigators seized four cars worth approximately 93,000 euros.
In a single insolvency case, at least 650,000 euros is said to have been concealed by May 2026 alone. More than 30 creditors and several customers are considered victims. The gang is said to have proceeded with customers by labelling functioning boilers and gas heating systems as broken. Customers paid in advance, but the work was either not performed or performed defectively. Additionally, fictitious defects are said to have been billed.
The criminal police are investigating for fraudulent insolvency and aggravated commercial fraud. On 19 June, officers searched two apartments and arrested the 31-year-old alleged ringleader in Döbling. He made no statement and was remanded in custody. Possible further victims can contact the State Criminal Police Office Vienna on 01-31310-33800.
Source: Google News AT — Crime (de)