Signa Investigations: Further Charges Against René Benko Possible

There was renewed movement in the Signa case on Wednesday: After it became known that the criminal trial against Signa founder and bankrupt René Benko will take place at the Regional Court in Innsbruck, the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA) submitted another project report to the higher authorities. This could mean another indictment concerning the collapsed real estate group is imminent.

In a project report, the prosecutor's office usually outlines whether it intends to discontinue an investigation or file charges. These are mandatory in cases of particular public interest, in so-called "clamorous" cases. The WKStA did not disclose the direction of the current project report or which investigation strand was finalized. The Ministry of Justice must now decide.

Numerous Allegations Against Benko

The WKStA is currently investigating 13 different strands related to the Signa bankruptcy and Benko. The authority accuses him, among other things, of deceiving investors and harming creditors. In mid-July, a first indictment was filed against Benko for fraudulent bankruptcy. The corresponding criminal trial will take place in the fall in Innsbruck - not, as requested by Benko's lawyer Norbert Wess, in Vienna, the OGH announced today.

Benko has been in pre-trial detention at the Vienna-Josefstadt prison since January 24. It will also be decided on Wednesday whether this will remain the case: Benko has again filed a release application, which will be decided in the afternoon. The Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office has spoken out against the release.

(APA/Red)

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