Ex-Soccer Pro in Vienna Receives Two Years Conditional Sentence

He was given a suspended sentence of 18 months with a probation period of three years. "Yes, that's fine," the 33-year-old accepted the verdict. The prosecutor did not make a statement. Therefore, the verdict is not legally binding.

The former football professional was arrested in Germany on July 27, 2024. He was placed in extradition custody and was taken into pre-trial detention by the Regional Court for Criminal Matters in mid-September after his transfer to Austria. Since his time in German and Austrian prisons is to be credited to the unconditional part of his sentence, the 33-year-old will be released next Monday. A request for release immediately after the verdict was announced, submitted by defence lawyer Bernhard Lehofer, who wanted to get his client out immediately, was rejected by the court.

The ex-kicker had made a comprehensive and remorseful confession before a jury (Chair: Christian Gneist). He said he had "learned a lot in the last six months". The Vienna Public Prosecutor's Office accused the defendant of a series of criminal acts he is alleged to have committed in Austria and Germany. The incriminated damage amount: almost 250,000 euros. "He is incredibly sorry. He has disappointed so many people. He is exposed," defence lawyer Lehofer said at the beginning of the trial.

Ex-Rapid Player Schick Among Victims

The footballer, who was under contract with several first division clubs during his career, ended his active career at a lower-class club in 2023. Subsequently, he is said to have cheated people, some of whom he knew from his professional sports activities, with the promise of lucrative investments in cryptocurrencies and as a supposedly well-connected watch dealer, regardless of a relevant previous conviction. Among the victims was ex-Rapid player Thorsten Schick, for whom the defendant was supposed to sell a Rolex worth 43,000 euros, which was no longer needed.

The indictment also included two other watches of the same brand worth a total of 34,000 euros. A watch worth 14,000 euros is said to have been embezzled by the 33-year-old. The victims were also former teammates of the defendant. In addition, he had borrowed loans but did not repay the money. Instead, he put off his creditors with various excuses. One charge related to a kitchen appliance for which the ex-footballer is said to have received several thousand euros without delivering it.

Ex-Kicker Aims to Lead a "Normal Life" After Release

"I have been in seven prisons. I woke up late as a human being there, unfortunately," the defendant admitted. After his release, he wants to "lead a normal life," he emphasized: "Of course, it will not be easy because the media has reported a lot." Therefore, he will "keep a low profile" in the future. As a "well-paid Austrian team player," he "experienced the sunshine. Now I have experienced hell. I don't want either anymore. The sunshine also doesn't do me any good."

The 33-year-old candidly explained why he committed the criminal acts. As a footballer, he "earned a lot of money very easily" for Austrian standards in the first league. Due to an injury, it was "over from one day to the next." He felt he had to do something "to maintain the standard of living and the money." That's why he started investing in cryptocurrencies and speculated on the corresponding exchanges.

In the hope of big profits, the man sold a house and a lakeside property for 1.5 million euros and began looking for investors in his private circle, promising them each a share of the profits. In addition, he offered himself to former colleagues as a seller or middleman for expensive watches, diverting the money entrusted to him into trading with cryptocurrencies. "It was an addiction, a gambling addiction," the defendant revealed to the Senate, "I was so determined that I thought I'd put the money in there and make everything right."

Defendant Admitted to Depression and Fears

In the end, he "didn't know if I could go shopping at the end of the month. That's bad," the 33-year-old described his financial situation before the arrest. He also admitted to mental health issues. Depression and fears had plagued him even during his sports career: "That's why it didn't work out in football anymore." He will "definitely go into therapy" after his release, the ex-kicker announced. He is now looking forward "to my family. I have never seen my daughter." The youngest child of the father of two was born last December.

(APA/Red)

This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.