Prisoner Founded Party While on the Run: Convicted in Vienna

The court found it proven that the defendant partially used the funds made available to him for other purposes and deliberately deceived the victims.

The story surrounding the defendant is somewhat bizarre: The accused was serving a multi-year prison sentence in 2019 when he did not return from a leave. Under a new identity, he rented hotels in Vienna or lived in short-term rental apartments. In 2021, he even founded a party completely unchallenged with the name "Yes to Austria," which he also officially registered.

Escaped Prisoner Founded Party: 190,000 Euros from Sponsors for Party

"I worked day and night for the party, hundreds of hours," said the accused during the continuation of his trial before a jury (Chair: Patrizia Kobinger-Böhm). The defendant also claimed to have found the three necessary members of the National Council, whose signatures would allow "Yes to Austria" to run in the upcoming National Council elections.

However, the money was still missing: For this, he sought sponsors, whom 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 stating 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 found. The online presence and media advertising were also started quite professionally. The sponsors were promised a kind of return on investment if the party managed to enter the National Council.

Participation Only Planned for Vienna Election

In the summer of 2024, the dream burst when one of the three alleged deputies decided at the last minute not to sign "Yes to Austria." After a brief setback, the party decided to run in the Vienna election in October 2024. The change of course had been discussed with the sponsors, assured the accused, and a press conference had also taken place.

However, the arrest of the accused came in the way of a successful Vienna election. 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 secured in his car.

Funds Used for Living Expenses

The prosecution's accusation was that the man did not invest the funds in the party's promotional appearance, but rather in his own living expenses. For instance, 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, on the other hand, claims he can account for all expenses, including expensive media appearances, with invoices.

On Thursday, the jury largely followed the indictment: The man was sentenced to 30 months in prison, the maximum sentence being three years. Although the accused was not held accountable for all individual fraud allegations, he had at least deliberately deceived two victims. "You had a lot, but no money," emphasized the judge. Furthermore, not a single mitigating factor was found for the accused.

The accused accepted the verdict after consulting with his lawyers. The prosecution made no statement, which means the verdict is not final.

(APA/Red)

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