Arrest warrant against René Benko: Is the Shadow Round ahead of the case?

Arrest warrant against René Benko: Is the Shadow Round ahead of the case?

In a dramatic turning point for the former real estate magnate René Benko, the Trento public prosecutor's office has issued a European arrest warrant against him. The reason is several critical property transactions that were carried out in 2018 to 2022. As today reports, Benko threatens to arrest in most of the EU, but not in Austria. In Germany, the public prosecutor must first clarify whether the allegations are also relevant under criminal law. If a corresponding procedure is opened in Germany, the enforcement of the arrest warrant against an Austrian citizen could be omitted.

Benko, the founder of the insolvent company Signa, is not only in the line of fire. Around 77 other people who are also involved in these transactions are determined. They are accused of serious offenses such as the establishment of a criminal association, corruption and fraud, as reported orf . His lawyer Norbert Wess said optimistically and explained that the allegations made against Benko would turn out to be unfounded. An insider has also emphasized that Benko always played a central role in the business of the Signa Group and still had influence in politics during the difficulties. Rainer Fleckl, a journalist who has been dealing with the topic for years, described Benko's organization as "shadow realm" and referred to his alleged connections to top politics.

The contradictory Situation

Despite the severity of the allegations, Benko continues to lead a luxurious lifestyle. He lives in a villa in Innsbruck, which is estimated at 86 million euros, and travels with a private jet whose pilot has now changed. According to Fleckl, Benko continues to have good contacts with politicians, especially with regard to his real estate projects that are involved in the public interest.