René Benko faces a new trial in Innsbruck over disputed villa payment

René Benko, the former founder of the Signa group, appeared before the Innsbruck Regional Court for a renewed trial concerning a disputed advance payment for a villa in the Hungerburg district. The Supreme Court had earlier reversed a partial acquittal, requiring the lower court to reconsider the matter in full. Benko, held in custody since January 2025, was escorted into the large criminal courtroom where Judge Norbert Hofer presided over the lay-judge panel.

Prosecutors from the Economic and Corruption State Prosecutor's Office argue that the payment was economically unreasonable and intended to deprive his creditors of repayment. Seven witnesses have been called, and the court is slated to deliver a judgment by the end of the day, with a possible prison term ranging from one to ten years.