Signa Scandal: Is a Family Nightmare Looming? The Explosive Role of René Benko's Wife Revealed!

Since the spectacular collapse of René Benko's Signa empire, the investigations have kept the public on edge. The Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA) recently submitted an initial project report for a partial indictment to the Ministry of Justice. At the center is the accusation of serious fraudulent bankruptcy. It involves millions in assets that the Signa founder is alleged to have withdrawn from the reach of his numerous creditors around his bankruptcy as a sole proprietor. René Benko vehemently denies all allegations; the presumption of innocence applies to him, as it does to all involved.

The Mysterious Safe in the Tyrolean Hideout

A central element of the investigations is an inconspicuous yet explosive find: a safe. Nathalie Benko, René Benko's wife, is said to have acquired this safe in March 2024, shortly before her husband's collapse, and had it set up in an unremarkable bunker room at relatives in the Tyrolean village of Pfunds. What the investigators found there caused a stir: a considerable collection of high-priced men's wristwatches attributed to René Benko, as well as 120,000 euros in cash and valuable cufflinks.

René Benko's explanation? He claims to have learned about the acquisition of the safe only later. The luxury goods stored in the safe were no longer his property anyway. A touching Christmas story, according to Benko, as he had already given the watches and cufflinks to his two sons on Christmas Eve 2021. But the Soko Signa has serious doubts about this version.

Nathalie Benko's Version: From Denial to Reversal

The investigators of Soko Signa see Nathalie Benko in a potential accomplice role. The main reason: She is said to have organized and filled the safe. Additionally, her lawyer demanded the return of the seized valuables in January 2025, arguing that they were intended for the minor sons – thus confirming René Benko's spicy Christmas watch story.

But the story takes another turn. Nathalie Benko, who has already had her third lawyer since January 2025, now presents a completely new version: Her previous lawyer had demanded the return and confirmed René Benko's Christmas story without her knowledge. A remarkable step that raises questions and further increases the complexity of the case.

The Photos That Are Supposed to Disprove Benko's Story

Another piece of the puzzle that investigators have gathered are photos from the Benko family albums. These images are supposed to clearly disprove René Benko's "Christmas gift" version. The police report to the public prosecutor includes photos showing René Benko himself still wearing his supposedly gifted favorite watch, a golden Patek Philippe Nautilus, on December 25, 2021, and even in the years after. A strong indication against his account.

Mysterious Chat Histories: Deliberately Deleted?

The digital traces in the Benko case also raise questions. Investigators tried to evaluate the chat history between René and Nathalie Benko regarding the secret safe. The result is striking: On René Benko's mobile phone, written communication with his wife only resumes on March 12, 2024 – exactly the day *after* the safe was installed. The criminal investigators' report states tellingly: "Whether the WhatsApp history with Nathalie Benko before 12.03.2024 was (deliberately) deleted by René Benko cannot be determined." A gap that leaves room for speculation.

What Now? Court Trial Looms

The Benko case is evolving from an economic scandal into a criminal case with familial entanglements. The final report of the Soko Signa not only casts dark shadows on René Benko but potentially also on his wife Nathalie. Whether the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office sees sufficient suspicion to bring both to trial remains to be seen. For the Austrian public, especially in Vienna, who are following the developments around the former real estate tycoon with great interest, this case promises a turbulent time in court.

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