In the Benko case: gaps in memory and severe allegations in the interrogation!

In the Benko case: gaps in memory and severe allegations in the interrogation!

Justizanstalt Wien-Josefstadt, 1080 Wien, Österreich - René Benko, the founder of the insolvent Signa Group, is the focus of a comprehensive investigation by the economic and corruption prosecutor (WKStA). In a recently carried out question, Benko was asked about a failed capital increase from June 2023. He showed considerable memory gaps and repeatedly referred to the responsibility of former managers such as Dieter Berninghaus as well as his tax advice and legal consultants in order to distance himself from the allegations. Benko is currently in custody.

The investigation will be burdened by the Benko Private Foundation family as an own fund. Benko decidedly rejects this accusation and explains that these funds were awarded to the foundation as loans. "This suspicion does not apply," said Benko in his execution. In the Vienna-Josefstadt judgment, he dictated the answers for the minutes, whereby the survey process was described as tough. He emphasized several times of having to use historical documents to underpin his statements.

contradictions and investor contacts

In the hearings, Benko makes it clear that the idea of growing the capital came from Berninghaus and that he mainly acted as founders and consultants for fundraising. A central point of his defense is that the initiative for the capital increase did not assume it. Berninghaus, which was previously interviewed in the same matter, contradicted this presentation and assured that Benko was the driving force behind this project.

In addition, Benko described talks with important investors such as Hans Peter Haselsteiner and Alfred Gusenbauer and assured that there were no assumption on the part of the donor that everyone would deposit. The capital increase was bilaterally, which is intended to further invalidate the allegations in terms of abusive use of investor funds.

context and economic framework conditions

The Benko case not only raises questions about individual responsibility, but also finds its place in the broader context of economic crime. Current reports such as an investigation by PwC in the past two years have been affected by incidents with bribery and corruption. Against this background, the importance of effective compliance programs to combat economic crime is becoming increasingly obvious. Successful companies are increasingly relying on transparent and robust strategies that meet legal requirements and strengthen the trust of stakeholders.

modern technologies play a crucial role in this context. German companies show a high willingness to use resources for risk assessments, with 68 % of the companies confirming this, compared to only 59 % in the global average. The use of data analyzes and advanced technologies for early detection of potential risks is firmly anchored in compliance strategies. This illustrates how important it is to take suitable countermeasures at an early stage in order to maintain trust in your own corporate management.