Vienna fraud scandal: René Benko remains in custody!

Vienna fraud scandal: René Benko remains in custody!

Wien, Österreich - René Benko, the Austrian investor and founder of the Signa Group, remains in custody after the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor (WKStA) had applied for an extension of the detention. This step was announced on June 26, 2025, despite the fact that the prison and legal protection judge could initially see no risk of escape. Benko has been held in Vienna since January 2025 due to the suspicion of serious fraud, infidelity and criminal machinations. The custody is now continued due to the risk of crime and must be checked again in two months at the latest. Even if a complaint can be filed against the decision within three days of the Vienna Higher Regional Court, WKStA and the defense have so far not been commented on the results of the detention. This also ensures great public interest, as reports.

In the past few months, the situation for Benko has continued to worsen. Investigations in several countries, including Germany, throw a shadow light on its shops. Here, a “money carousel” is reported in which Benko partner of Signa Holding GmbH is said to have tempted to issue investments as their own contributions to the capital increase. These allegations are part of a broader investigation, which also includes accusations regarding a 25 million euro loan from the Schelhammer Capital Bank. According to ZDF today , the Signa Holding, which was at times one of the largest real estate companies in Austria, was insolvent at the end of 2023, and against Benko there are serious allegations in three-digit meters.

The investigation is not limited to Austria. In Bavaria, offenses are also examined in the context of real estate projects, and there are allegations for unpaid invoices and obligations towards creditors. Benko is pursued in another worrying aspect because a 15 million euro loan was said to be repaid to the INGBE Foundation despite the insolvency of Signa Prime Selection AG. This could indicate a systematic act of asset veiling. Scientists of Statista document an increase in economic crime in Germany, as in Benko's case, the fraud is often the most common fact.

The economic machinations of Benko have far -reaching consequences, including the bankruptcy of the Galeria department store chain, which he had taken over. Although Benko registered private bankruptcy in March 2024, he continues to lead a luxury life. The situation will remain very tense with increasing investigations and the impending conviction for a variety of financial offenses. Investigative insights show that the extent of the allegations against him and the complexity of the financial interdependencies could significantly influence future developments.

in total remains a central topic that questions both the trust in the economy and the legal structures.