Escaped from Prison and Founded a Party: Inmate in Court
A prisoner who did not return after a leave in 2019 founded a party while on the run and sought sponsors for it. Because he allegedly used the funds provided to him for other purposes and due to other frauds, he was put on trial on Monday. The man was only arrested in the fall of 2024. Quite by chance, because he was dining with someone else wanted by the justice system.
Prosecutor: "Movie-like Backgrounds"
Even the prosecutor spoke of "movie-like backgrounds" in the case during his opening statement. The accused had already been in court several times and was serving a prison sentence in 2019 when he did not return from a prison leave. Under a new identity, he rented hotels in Vienna or lived in short-term rental apartments. "I did not hide. No one was looking for me," he told the jury (Chair: Patrizia Kobinger-Böhm).
"Yes to Austria": Fugitive Prisoner Founded Party and Collected Sponsorship Funds
In 2021, he even founded the party "Yes to Austria" and had it registered. "I worked day and night for the party," the accused now said. To run in the national elections in the fall of 2024, he sought sponsors, which he found in three people. The man received a total of 190,000 euros, which he had transferred to his private account. He justified this by saying that there was no party account yet because there was no party board yet. This was only installed in the summer of 2024, and a top candidate was also sought. The online presence and media advertising also only started then. "All of this costs money. You have to do it just before the election, otherwise, you waste it and no one can remember," he explained the approach. The sponsors were promised a kind of return on their investment if the party made it into the National Council.
Entry into the Vienna Election Postponed
In the summer of 2024, however, he decided not to run in the national council election due to lack of funds, but rather to run in the Vienna election in October 2024, as they hoped for better chances there. "But the conditions in the contract are unfulfillable if you do not run in the national council election," the judge noted. The change of course had been discussed with the sponsors, and a press conference had also taken place. "Everyone knew, I didn't do anything on my own," said the defendant, who was brought in from custody.
Arrested at Lunch with Illegal Acquaintance
The defendant attributed the lack of a successful election to his arrest. During a lunch with an acquaintance who was allegedly involved in illegal activities, his ID was also checked. The police found out that the man was wanted. Additionally, 40,000 euros in cash were seized in his car. In his opinion, the party board should have prepared for the Vienna election. "But they leaned back and did nothing," said the accused.
Charged with Serious Fraud
The prosecution's allegation was that the man did not invest the funds in the party's advertising campaign, but rather in his own livelihood. For example, an Apple laptop, a leased car, and a Vespa were purchased. The man also charged clothing and fuel costs to the party, which is why the prosecution charged him with commercial serious fraud. The accused claims, however, that he can provide invoices for all media appearances.
The man is also accused of receiving funds for investments from a Cypriot company that never existed. He also denies this, stating that the founding was delayed due to the naming process. Only two signatures were missing. The total damage is said to amount to more than 300,000 euros. Due to numerous witnesses, the trial will continue on November 20.
(APA/Red)
This article has been automatically translated, read the original article here.