Suspicion of fraud: ex-billionaire Benko and his millions in spending in the spotlight!

Suspicion of fraud: ex-billionaire Benko and his millions in spending in the spotlight!

René Benko, formerly known as a billionaire and entrepreneur, is currently the focus of investigations into suspected fraud and is in custody in Vienna-Josefstadt. As prosecutors continue to secure evidence, a secret household ledger has provided remarkable insights into Benko's luxurious lifestyle, which consumed around 12 million euros a year until 2023. His pre-trial detention was most recently extended until August 26th, which increases public curiosity about what will happen to his assets, which he allegedly financed with investor money and bank loans.

A particularly noticeable item in Benko's expenses is the luxury safari in Africa, for which he paid 225,439 euros. The total cost of this trip was over 450,000 euros, which illustrates the businessman's opulent lifestyle. Loud today.at He even spent 438,800 euros on a stay in an exclusive holiday resort in the Maldives. In addition, more than 1.2 million euros flowed to a tour operator.

Extravagant lifestyle and expensive gifts

Benko's exorbitant expenses also include travel costs, which reached 1.7 million euros for the use of a private jet and yachts. In addition, the monthly rental costs for his 15 luxury cars, including brands such as Mercedes, Porsche and Audi, amounted to 38,830 euros, while the insurance cost another 73,200 euros. Benko's entire lifestyle was so extravagant that the annual cost of domestic staff - including gardeners and cleaners - was around 1.5 million euros.

What particularly catches the eye are the valuable gifts that Benko gave to his wife Nathalie. These included Chanel products worth 294,830 euros and a Hermès bag for Valentine's Day that cost 141,500 euros. In total, the gifts amounted to around 8 million euros, including a diamond ring for 2.16 million euros and investments in real estate worth up to 3 million euros annually.

Financial difficulties and accusations

The financial problems began when Benko's group of companies had to file for bankruptcy in 2024. Official investigations show that Benko's annual income at the time of the crisis was only around 450,000 euros, while only 900 euros in cash and 88,000 euros remained in his accounts. The transfers to his wife and the extraordinary expenses were financed by a complex network of companies and foundations, which raises questions about the source of the funds. Investigators suspect that money is being diverted through these structures, which Benko vigorously denies. The presumption of innocence applies.

While the legal disputes continue, it remains unclear how the situation will develop for René Benko. His luxurious life, which was suddenly shaken by allegations of fraud, is viewed with skepticism by the public.