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René Benko: Pre-trial detention extended – New allegations make people sit up and take notice!
René Benko, founder of Signa, will remain in custody until at least August 26th while he is investigated for fraud and breach of trust.
René Benko: Pre-trial detention extended – New allegations make people sit up and take notice!
René Benko, the founder of Signa and former owner of Galeria, has been in custody since January 24, 2025. His arrest took place on January 23rd and in accordance with a decision by the Vienna Regional Court, his pre-trial detention was extended on Thursday by two months until August 26th, 2025. The court based the decision on Benko's continued strong suspicion and risk of committing the crime, which means he will remain in custody for at least 214 days. The Economic and Corruption Public Prosecutor's Office (WKStA) has already prepared an initial indictment against him, as [oe24] reports.
The current allegations against Benko are serious. The WKStA accuses him of hiding assets before declaring bankruptcy. Between March 9th and May 9th, 2024, he is said to have deposited valuables worth over 229,000 euros in a safe with relatives. The hidden items include 11 wristwatches with a total value of 229,020 euros, replacement watch straps, cufflinks and cash totaling 120,000 euros. In addition, a watch worth 19,000 euros and 5,000 euros in cash were found in a gun safe in his family's villa, according to [t-online].
Details about the investigation
The investigation shows that Benko listed fewer watches and cufflinks in his assets than actually existed. The watches were found in a safe hidden behind wine boxes. According to reports, Nathalie Benko, his wife, asked to keep these valuables safe. Benko himself vehemently denies the allegations and invokes the presumption of innocence. He claims the rings and watches were gifts from loved ones in 2021.
The WKStA suspects Benko of infidelity, fraud and bankruptcy. According to reports, there are also new lines of investigation that could concern a possible illegal payment of millions by a Signa company to a family foundation. This suggests that the investigation is complex and could have far-reaching consequences for Benko. The decision to extend or end pre-trial detention could be made in two months.