Live Blog: Kick-off for Trial Against Benko in Innsbruck

Benko is accused of having withdrawn assets amounting to around 660,000 euros from the reach of his creditors by moving them into companies and private foundations, as well as transferring them to his mother.

Part of the indictment involved an advance payment of rent and operating costs amounting to around 360,000 euros for the rental of a house on the Innsbruck Hungerburg to RB Immobilienverwaltungs GmbH & Co KG as the owner of the villa. According to the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA), this was "economically and factually unjustifiable." The second part concerned a gift of 300,000 euros to his mother.

In the event of a conviction, Benko faces one to ten years in prison. The former multi-billionaire, currently in pre-trial detention, is expected to face a media frenzy in his hometown. Over 70 media representatives have accredited themselves for the trial in the large jury courtroom. This is the first small prelude, in terms of the scope of the indictment, to what is likely to be a whole series of trials awaiting the entrepreneur. According to reports, Benko has so far denied any criminal allegations related to the Signa bankruptcy.

Trial Against Benko in Innsbruck in Live Blog

(APA/Red)

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