Overview
- The second criminal case opened at the Innsbruck regional court with René and Nathalie Benko charged with fraudulent insolvency and both expected to plead not guilty.
- Investigators say the safe, organized by Nathalie Benko and installed at a relative’s residence, held cash and valuables worth roughly €250,000, including eleven watches.
- Defense lawyers rejected the indictment as unfounded “Hokuspokus,” while prosecutors questioned Benko’s claim that several watches were earlier gifts to his children.
- A ruling could come today, with a reserve hearing date set for December 16, according to court schedules reported from the opening session.
- Benko has been in pre‑trial detention since January 2025 and received a non‑final two‑year sentence in October, as broader WKStA probes continue with further charges expected.