Jewelry Dealer Caused Trial to Collapse Again: Arrest Warrant Issued

Defense attorney Peter Philipp informed that the defendant announced on Friday that he would not attend the main hearing. Instead, two state security officers would appear to explain to the court that the accused jewelry dealer was prevented from attending due to an important mission. According to the lawyer, a man stepped forward, handed the judge a document, and said in English that he was only a "representative." The letter was "from the United Nations" and should be read by the judge.

"At some point, it's enough": Judge feels "papered" by jewelry dealer

The judge obviously felt "papered," and the patience of the jurist, known for his forbearance in the Gray House, snapped: "This is the third appointment where he doesn't come. At some point, it's enough." After the arrest of the defendant, "negotiations will take place promptly," he assured the parties involved in the proceedings.

The Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office assumes that the defendant, who has a relevant prior conviction for fraud, conducted two more shady deals after his conviction. On one hand, he is said to have defrauded a businessman in October 2023, who needed a short-term loan of 250,000 US dollars, by promising to transfer the amount within three days. As security, the businessman, who was not liquid at the time, left him earrings with six diamonds worth at least 500,000 euros.

The businessman received neither the loan nor the returned jewelry, which the prosecution qualifies as serious fraud. The 49-year-old pleads not guilty to this as well as to the embezzlement of a diamond worth 125,000 euros and a diamond ring worth 30,000 euros. Both pieces of jewelry were handed over to him in April 2024 to determine their market value. After this was done, the owner reportedly discovered to his dismay in early May 2024 that the defendant had replaced the diamonds with cheaper, comparatively worthless moissanite stones before returning them. The 49-year-old has denied this so far.

(APA/Red)

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