Arson attack in Rudolfsheim: 29-year-old arrested!

Arson attack in Rudolfsheim: 29-year-old arrested!

On Wednesday morning, October 16, 2025, the Vienna police were called to a nighttime fire in an electronics store on Mariahilferstrasse in Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus. Witnesses described that shortly after midnight a man broke the shop window with an ax and then set a fire inside the shop. The Vienna fire department reacted quickly and was able to quickly bring the fire under control so that there were no injuries. However, due to the heavy smoke, several streets had to be temporarily closed, which led to significant traffic delays.

The investigation eventually led the police to a 29-year-old man with Turkish citizenship who was arrested near the crime scene. When he was arrested, he had the suspected instruments of crime with him: an ax, a container with lighter fluid and a lighter. The case is particularly explosive due to the fact that the suspect is related to the owner of the electronics store in question. The background to the crime is currently the subject of intensive investigations by the fire team of the Vienna State Criminal Police Office, which in such cases not only looks at the causes but also possible motives.

Arson: A serious criminal offense

Arson is not only a violent incident, but also a serious criminal offense that carries severe penalties. According to the provisions of German criminal law, in particular Section 306 of the Criminal Code, this is the intentional setting on fire of other people's buildings or other objects, which can cause massive damage and danger to the life and limb of other people. The penalty for simple arson can be up to ten years in prison. In the case of particularly serious consequences, such as setting fire to an inhabited building, there is even a risk of life imprisonment. It becomes particularly dangerous if a fire is caused by a negligent act, which can also have criminal consequences.

In the case of the arrested 29-year-old, he could not only face serious criminal consequences, but also civil liability issues, as the injured parties could assert claims for damages. Such claims can typically cover both material and non-material damages. But enforcing these claims can prove challenging, especially if the perpetrator is financially unable to pay. Insurance companies play a central role here in regulating the damage and helping those affected.

The legal consequences of arson

After an arson incident, an investigation is initiated by the police and public prosecutor, followed by charges and a court hearing. Anyone involved in such a case should definitely seek legal advice at an early stage. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help understand the politics of the case and develop customized defense strategies. The allegations can have far-reaching effects on the life of the accused, from an entry in the criminal record to professional disadvantages.

The investigation into the background to the arson on Mariahilferstrasse is currently in full swing, and it remains to be seen what further insights the investigators will gain. Meanwhile, residents and business owners are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity immediately.

Courier reports, that the arrest of the suspected man causes further discussions Attorney Erhard detailed information on the legal consequences of arson. Also illuminated Rights check the different dimensions of this serious topic.