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2h ago

Benko’s First Criminal Trial Opens in Innsbruck on €660,000 Fraudulent Bankruptcy Charge

The narrowly framed case over alleged asset concealment marks the procedural opening of a broader reckoning over the opaque Signa empire.

René Benko
Der Angeklagte René Benko zu Beginn des Prozesses gegen den Signa-Gründer.
Image
The logo of Rene Benko's real estate empire Signa is seen on the fence of a construction site in front of a Karstadt department store in Munich, Germany, February 17, 2024. REUTERS/Wolfgang Rattay

Overview

  • René Benko pleaded not guilty as his lawyer argued a prepaid rental right retained value and denied any intent to harm creditors.
  • Prosecutors say the case centers on a roughly €360,000 four‑year rent and operating‑cost prepayment for a villa and a €300,000 transfer to a relative.
  • The hearing is scheduled for two days with eight witnesses, and the court indicated a verdict could come by Wednesday.
  • Benko has been held in pre‑trial detention since January 2025 and faces one to ten years in prison if convicted of fraudulent bankruptcy.
  • Austrian, German and Italian authorities are running parallel probes with multiple suspects, and a separate indictment alleges €120,000 in cash and luxury items were stashed in a hidden safe.