According to a statement released on Tuesday, the WKStA has brought the first charges in the Signa investigation. René Benko is accused of committing fraudulent Krida.

Under Austrian criminal law, this offense occurs when someone reduces their assets in order to prevent or diminish the satisfaction of creditors’ claims.

The indictment was filed with the Regional Court of Innsbruck, the WKStA stated.

Benko is alleged to have hindered or reduced the satisfaction of creditor claims during his personal bankruptcy by diverting assets.

Gifts to Relatives

Specific actions cited include an advance payment of approximately EUR 360,000 in rent and operating costs for the lease of a house, as well as a gift of 300,000 euro to family members. Both actions were reportedly carried out amid growing financial distress and in anticipation of imminent insolvency proceedings.

The WKStA’s investigation in the Signa complex is being supported by a special unit called «SOKO Signa» within the Federal Criminal Police Office. According to the authorities, the broader investigation involves serious fraud, fraudulent Krida, breach of trust, subsidy fraud, and preferential treatment of creditors.

The investigation targets more than a dozen individuals and two legal entities. The total financial damage under investigation currently amounts to around 300 million euro.