Private Bankruptcy Hearing Against Karl-Heinz Grasser Will Not Take Place in August

In early May, Grasser's debts were reported to be 21 million euros. This "claim volume" remained unchanged, according to Klaus Schaller from KSV187 Tirol. A person convicted in the Buwog trial has now registered a claim of nearly 12.5 million euros. According to information, this is Karl Petrikovics, the former head of Immofinanz. This claim had already been registered by the Republic of Austria. If Grasser cannot pay and Petrikovics is held liable, he could in turn sue Grasser for compensation.

Private Bankruptcy Hearing Against Grasser: Insolvency Administrator Needs More Time

So far, six creditors have filed claims against the 56-year-old Grasser, who served as Finance Minister from 2000 to 2007. The main creditors were previously the Republic of Austria with around 12.7 million euros due to compensation claims from the Buwog trial, as well as the tax office with 7.9 million euros in tax claims. In addition to the Republic and the tax office, tax advisors and lawyers are also among the creditors. Grasser estimated his assets at 300,000 euros. The former Finance Minister wanted to discharge his debts through a cash quota of 3 percent within two weeks, with the necessary funds to be provided "from a third party." Based on the 21 million euros, that would be at least 630,000 euros.

At the hearing on August 6, the examination of the claims and the vote on the payment plan proposal suggested by Grasser would have been the focus. But now the turnaround. "A few days ago, a multitude of tax assessments were submitted to the insolvency administrator Dr. Herbert Matzunski by the tax office. These tax assessments form the basis for the claims registered in the insolvency proceedings amounting to millions," explained Schaller. In the short time available, it is not possible for the insolvency administrator to verify whether the registered claims are actually justified: "It is therefore only logical and consistent that a detailed analysis of all tax-related matters of Mr. Mag. Karl-Heinz Grasser by the insolvency administrator will take place in the coming weeks." The insolvency administrator suggested postponing the date in court, and this suggestion was "sensibly complied with."

The liquidation of Grasser's assets is also not yet complete. It particularly involves "watches, jewelry, and a bicycle." It also remains to be examined whether any claims can be realized for the general insolvency estate within the framework of contestation. The fact that Grasser is currently in the Innsbruck prison complicates the "exchange of information."

Legally Permissible Visit by Grasser at Wörthersee Caused a Stir

Meanwhile, Grasser also made headlines elsewhere. He was seen last Saturday in his home state of Carinthia, specifically having lunch with his wife Fiona in a bar in Maria Wörth at Wörthersee, as first reported by the "Kronen Zeitung." This caused surprise and criticism, especially online, but it was permissible. The Austrian Penal Code provides for so-called relaxed detention conditions. Under certain conditions, prisoners are allowed to leave the institution - according to the Ministry of Justice, at most twice a quarter - for a few hours or even days and for certain purposes. These are known as day releases. The decision on a day release is made by the respective prison director.

"This is all legal. During a day release, he can do what he wants," explained Grasser's lawyer Manfred Ainedter. The Klagenfurt native Grasser, formerly also FPÖ Deputy Governor, is said to have visited his elderly parents. These are - as lawyer Ainedter explained in a previous interview - both in need of care.

Grasser was finally sentenced to four years of unconditional imprisonment by the Supreme Court (OGH) at the end of March in the Buwog trial for breach of trust and acceptance of gifts by officials. He is likely to be conditionally released halfway through the sentence, and already in September, he has the best chances of getting an electronic ankle bracelet. The second prominent, convicted Buwog defendant - the ex-lobbyist and former FPÖ Secretary General Walter Meischberger - was initially rejected with an application for a postponement of imprisonment for medical reasons, but he can appeal against this. Thus, Meischberger is likely to have good chances of not having to go to prison and instead also entering "electronically monitored house arrest" in September.

(APA/Red)

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