War of millions between Benko and Berninghaus: Who is to blame?

War of millions between Benko and Berninghaus: Who is to blame?

The dispute between René Benko and Dieter Berninghaus escalates over a cash flow of 16.9 million euros and throws a shadow on the investigation into the bankruptcy of the Signa Holding. As reported VOL.AT, secret recordings of a conversation between the two actors who were ensured in the course of investigations and the tensions between them apparently made.

The dispute began shortly before the bankruptcy of the Signa Holding at the end of November 2023. Benko, a prominent real estate entrepreneur, and Berninghaus, who is considered the architect of the trading sector, have various opinions on the origin of the 16.9 million euros. Berninghaus, which does not hold an official management position at Signa, describes the flow of money in return for a share sale, while Benko is insisting that it is a loan. These differences made the inner circle around Benko, which is now in custody.

The content of the recording

The said notification, which was made according to [the press] (https://www.diepresse.com/19806439/benko-berninghaus-million-mreit-um-Signa himself, gives an insight into the tense relationship between the two men. Berninghaus warned Benko of the social consequences of a possible bankruptcy of the Signa holding and brought a risk into play that could not be ignored in the conversation. At the same time, Benko expressed concerns how he could justify payment to other investors.

The investigation, which is led by the central public prosecutor to pursue economic criminal matters and corruption (WKStA), relate, among other things, to possible misleading communication towards investors and the flow of money itself. WKStA takes on a central role in the pursuit of business offenses and is entrusted with the management of complex procedures, as the information of [oesterreich.gv.at] (https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/themen/gesetze_recht/gerichtsorganization_der_Justiz/ 3310010.html).

criticism of corporate management

Both opponents are mutually responsible for the imbalance of the Signa Group. Benko raises the accusation that, despite his retreat at the end of May 2023, Berninghaus was not eliminated from all functions at Signa and thus bears responsibility for the losses of the trade division. In the tense atmosphere of blame and conflicts, the insolvent corporate management was increasingly seen.

The WKStA is faced with an increasing number of economic criminal matters with international interdependencies, which requires new concepts and structures within the investigative authority. The complexity of the ongoing procedures could make the information about the flow of money between Benko and Berninghaus very challenging in the coming weeks.