Swiss National Sentenced to Prison After Bomb Threats in Austria

"A suspended sentence of 24 months with a probation period of three months was imposed," said a spokesperson for the competent district court See-Gaster in the canton of St. Gallen to the APA. In addition, the man must also bear the costs of the proceedings following the bomb threats in Austria.

Verdict Following Bomb Threats in Austria to Become Legally Binding Soon

Specifically, according to the Swiss court, he was found guilty on September 29 of multiple false alarms, attempted coercion, attempted violence or threats against authorities or officials, and multiple false accusations. He expects the verdict to become legally binding soon, said the spokesperson. Which threats in Austria the man is supposed to be responsible for was not initially disclosed by the court. However, the spokesperson for the St. Gallen prosecutor's office responsible for the investigations, Leo-Philippe Menzel, explained to the APA that these are "not the major cases." The prosecution has also dropped individual charges against the accused, according to Menzel. These decisions, unlike the court's verdict, are already legally binding. Therefore, he could not provide further information.

Numerous Facilities in Austria Affected by Bomb Threats

Last autumn, threats were sent via email to various state police directorates, train stations, schools, shopping centers, or other facilities in Austria, such as the Vienna Regional Court. The Ministry of the Interior reported a total of 27 threats in October 2024. The Swiss national, who was 20 years old at the time of the crime, was subsequently identified as a suspect by the Austrian security authorities under the leadership of the Directorate of State Protection and Intelligence Service (DSN), and a European arrest warrant was issued against him. A raid was also conducted by the Swiss executive at his place.

Group from Germany Suspected After Bomb Threats

However, the man could not be extradited to Austria, as he would have had to agree to the transfer. The St. Gallen prosecutor's office then took over the proceedings against the man based on a request for legal assistance. As is now clear, a group from Germany is likely responsible for the much larger part of the series. "We have sent a request for legal assistance to several authorities," said Ulrike Breiteneder from the leading prosecutor's office in Linz, Austria. Among others, the German Federal Criminal Police Office is in contact with Austria regarding this matter. Who exactly is behind the group is still unclear, as is the motive. Whether the Swiss man, as initially suspected, also has a connection to the group has not yet been answered.

(APA/Red)

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