Internet Fraud in Hagenbrunn: Almost 300,000 Euros Transferred to Criminals

The municipality of Hagenbrunn (district of Korneuburg) has become a victim of internet fraudsters. As part of an elementary school construction project, almost 300,000 euros were transferred to criminals, as first reported by "Falter". The Korneuburg public prosecutor's office is investigating for serious fraud and money laundering. The account holder has since been identified. The man is believed to be in Italy, a spokesperson for the prosecution confirmed an ORF report on Thursday upon request.

Internet Fraudster Poses as Alleged Municipal Employee

Initially, the construction company received an email from "Sarah Solinger" in mid-July 2024. The alleged municipal employee inquired about which partial invoices were still outstanding. The construction company replied that around 293,000 euros were still to be paid. Subsequently, the fraudster allegedly posed as "Christina Binder", an employee of the contracted company. The municipality was billed for the previously mentioned partial amount. The amount was transferred to an Italian account instead of the contracted domestic company. Regarding the now identified account holder, a request for legal assistance for interrogation has been made, said a spokesperson for the public prosecutor's office.

According to ORF, it is unclear who will bear the damage. "We have agreed with the construction company that we will now wait for the authorities' investigations," Mayor Michael Oberschil (ÖVP) was quoted as saying.

(APA/Red)

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