Inmate founds a party and embezzles 190,000 euros in sponsorship money!

Inmate founds a party and embezzles 190,000 euros in sponsorship money!

In a remarkable twist, the story of a former prisoner and his questionable political ambitions began in Vienna. A 57-year-old who did not return to the Sonnberg prison in Hollabrunn in 2019 after being released from prison used his escape to found his own party “Yes to Austria”. Loud meinkreis.at This founding took place under a new name and an as yet unknown identity while he lived in various accommodations in Vienna. The reason for his arrest before his escape was a fraud case.

From the start, the founding of the party was anything but clean. The defendant was able to secure over 190,000 euros in sponsorship money, which he diverted to his personal account. He claimed not to have a party account, further complicating the situation. The plan to run in the 2024 National Council election was ultimately dropped in favor of the Vienna election due to financial difficulties, which was announced in a press conference after consultation with its sponsors.

Illegal enrichment and arrest

In September 2024, the man was arrested after a check with an acquaintance who was said to be involved in illegal business. The officers found an impressive 40,000 euros in cash in his car. The list of allegations against him is long: He is accused of having spent the sponsorship money not for political purposes, but for his personal lifestyle - things like a laptop, a leased car, a Vespa and clothing. He also collected payments for a Cypriot company that never existed. The estimated damage is over 300,000 euros.

The trial will continue on November 20th and it will be exciting to see what will come to light. Given the numerous scandals within the FPÖ in recent years, such as the financial scandal involving 1.8 million euros or the Ibiza affair, this case could become another chapter in the history of political corruption in Austria. Contrast.at reports on the serious allegations that continue to raise this issue.

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