Austrian Tycoon René Benko Faces Italian Mafia-Style Corruption Allegations

Italian prosecutors accuse Benko of leading a criminal network to secure illegal advantages for real estate projects, prompting international investigations.

• Italian authorities have issued a European arrest warrant for Austrian real estate mogul René Benko, alleging his involvement in a mafia-style criminal organization.
• The investigation centers on claims that Benko and associates used corrupt practices to obtain permits and advantages for major real estate projects in northern Italy, including the Waltherpark development in Bolzano.
• Over 100 searches were conducted across multiple Italian regions, with 77 individuals, including politicians and business leaders, under investigation for corruption, illegal party financing, and fraud.
• Austria has refused to enforce the arrest warrant, citing domestic legal proceedings against Benko, which include allegations of financial misconduct and fraudulent use of COVID-19 subsidies.
• Benko’s legal team denies the accusations, asserting that most claims lack relevance to him or his now-insolvent company, Signa Holding, which filed for bankruptcy in 2023.

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