Italian Authorities Issue European Arrest Warrant for Signa Founder René Benko

The Austrian businessman faces allegations of corruption, fraud, and criminal conspiracy tied to real estate dealings in northern Italy.

René Benko, founder of the insolvent Signa Group, is under investigation for alleged large-scale real estate speculation in Italy's Trentino-South Tyrol region.
Italian prosecutors accuse Benko and others of forming a criminal network to manipulate public contracts, commit fraud, and engage in corruption.
Authorities conducted over 100 searches across Italy and abroad, targeting properties, businesses, and public offices, including the Bozen city hall.
Eight individuals, including a former business partner of Benko and a local mayor, have been placed under house arrest as part of the investigation.
Benko, who remains in Austria and denies wrongdoing, is also facing separate probes into alleged misuse of COVID-19 relief funds and financial misconduct.