René Benko: In prison between privileges and horrible conditions!

René Benko: In prison between privileges and horrible conditions!

Unexpected turns in the life of the Tyrolean real estate entrepreneur René Benko: He has been in custody in the Vienna-Josefstadt prison since January 24, 2025. The allegations against him are serious: He is accused of concealing assets and putting them aside while his Signa Group is in crisis. The case raises questions not only about his business practices, but also about his lifestyle behind bars.

A former fellow inmate took a closer look at Benko's prison situation and describes the conditions as "horrible." The individual cell that Benko lives in the so-called basement of the institution is doubly secured with bars. A perfectly normal bed, a table and an armchair are part of the modest furnishings. The toilet is between the bars and the prisoner has to ring the bell to use it. The lack of toilet paper in the cell is also an imposition that is difficult for many prisoners to bear, as Bild reports.

Living conditions and privileges

Despite his situation, Benko is allowed to enjoy some privileges in the Vienna-Josefstadt prison. Court documents show he has access to a tablet, allowing him to prepare intensively for his upcoming criminal trial. This is scheduled for October 14th and 15th, 2025 at the Innsbruck Regional Court. In addition to the defense files, everyday operations in the institution are also regulated.

The prisoners wake up at around 6 a.m. and breakfast is served at 7 a.m. The food is simple and comes from the institution's own commercial kitchen, while eating from outside is not permitted. In addition, U.S. prisoners are allowed to spend an hour a day in the courtyard to prepare for court hearings. However, U prisoners are only allowed to shower twice a week, which further increases the challenges during their time in prison, as Die Presse notes.

The prison itself, which has been in operation since 1839 and is the largest prison in Austria, struggles with chronic overcrowding and is scheduled to be renovated by 2032. Despite the difficult circumstances, Benko and his family continue to be presumed innocent. What is also critical is that the wife Nathalie and the mother Ingeborg Benko have also been targeted by the investigators, which further complicates the situation for the family. It is reported that Benko is said to have hidden over 667,566 euros from his creditors, which could get him up to ten years in prison if convicted, reports Bild.

A look into the prison

The Vienna-Josefstadt prison is not only a place of detention, but also a clear reflection of social challenges. The visitor regulations are rigid: prisoners are only allowed two visits per week, which must be approved in advance. To ensure safety, strict entrance controls are carried out. Access is only granted after security checks and with official photo ID. Information about the institution is also available at justiz.gv.at.

At the end of 2025 it will be seen whether the prominent prisoner can maintain his innocence status. The case remains exciting and will undoubtedly raise many more questions.