Benko already transferred to JA Innsbruck a week before trial start

"With high probability," the second charge for the same offense will not yet be negotiated, a spokesperson for the Innsbruck Higher Regional Court (OLG) said to the APA on Tuesday.

Both Benko and a co-defendant have filed an objection against the second charge, which has involved the Higher Regional Court. Deadlines for statements on the objection are still ongoing, which is why, for timing reasons, it is currently assumed that the second charge will not be included in next week's trial, taking place on October 14 and 15, explained spokesperson Gregor Tögel.

According to the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA), the second, contested charge involves damages amounting to a total of 370,000 euros. Benko is alleged to have concealed assets, thereby reducing the fulfillment of creditor claims during his insolvency as a sole proprietor. Specifically, it revolves around cash amounting to 120,000 euros as well as eleven high-priced watches and cufflinks, watch straps, and other items with a total value of almost 250,000 euros. The assets are said to have been hidden in a safe at the home of Benko's relatives. The co-defendant is alleged to have assisted in this.

First Trial on October 14 and 15

What is certain, however, is that the bankrupt real estate entrepreneur and investor will have to face the first charge, which also alleges fraudulent bankruptcy, in the jury courtroom of the Innsbruck Regional Court next week. Here too, Benko is alleged to have prevented or reduced the satisfaction of creditor claims by concealing assets. The charge assumes a damage amount of 660,000 euros. The allegations relate to an advance payment of rent and operating costs amounting to 360,000 euros for the rental of a house, which is said to have been economically and factually unjustifiable, as well as a gift of 300,000 euros to relatives. Benko faces up to ten years in prison if convicted. The trial is expected to attract significant media interest, including from abroad.

Benko Already in Innsbruck

Meanwhile, it was announced on Tuesday that the 48-year-old Benko has already been transferred from Vienna to his hometown of Innsbruck, specifically to the local correctional facility, for the trial. A spokesperson for the correctional facility confirmed to APA corresponding reports from ORF Tirol and the "Tiroler Tageszeitung" (online). When Benko was brought to his hometown was not disclosed upon inquiry.

Benko was arrested in Innsbruck in January and had been in pre-trial detention at the Vienna-Josefstadt correctional facility, also known as the "Gray House," since then. It was originally expected that he would be brought to Tyrol only immediately before the trial, on October 13.

WKStA Investigates 14 Case Complexes

The first two charges filed concern only a small part of the overall complex. The WKStA recently pursued 14 different case complexes in the Signa proceedings. The allegations include fraudulent bankruptcy, breach of trust, serious fraud, creditor favoritism, and subsidy fraud. They have more than a dozen accused individuals and two associations in their sights. The total damage under investigation currently amounts to around 300 million euros, according to the prosecution. Benko has consistently denied all allegations so far.

(APA/Red)

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