Wallet with 8,370 Euros Embezzled: Diversion for 66-Year-Old

The defense attorney spoke of a "favorable opportunity" on Friday at the Vienna Regional Criminal Court, which his client had taken advantage of. The 66-year-old defendant found a wallet with more than 8,000 euros at a car wash in Vienna-Margareten on August 31. Instead of returning it, he simply took it and drove away. The retiree on a minimum pension was charged with embezzlement. He got away with a diversion.

Money for apartment deposit forgotten

The rightful owner of the 8,270 euros was cleaning his car and vacuuming the interior on that August day. For this, the young man placed the wallet on the vacuum station's shelf and forgot about it. The large sum of money was intended as a down payment for the deposit on a new apartment with his girlfriend.

The 66-year-old discovered the wallet and simply pocketed it. Using the gas station's surveillance camera, they quickly identified the man's license plate and were able to determine his identity. After initially denying it, the man confessed today.

Money allegedly gambled away

However, the money is no longer there. The previously unblemished man is not entirely averse to gambling, as Judge Patrick Supper suggested. Since the man is a retiree on a minimum pension, he cannot raise the sum and proposed an installment payment of 200 euros per month. This, in turn, angered the victim: "That doesn't help me if I need the money for the apartment now." The prosecutor calculated that it would take him three and a half years to pay it off. The defendant's lawyer is now trying to raise more through the defendant's family. The daughter had already offered the victim 7,500 euros to avoid a trial, which the young man rejected due to the missing 870 euros.

80 hours of community service

The case was ultimately resolved through diversion. The 66-year-old must complete 80 hours of community service within six months. "A fine would be counterproductive here," noted the judge. Additionally, the retiree should make amends for the damage as best as he can. The case was adjourned indefinitely until it is resolved.

(APA/Red)

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