Austrian property tycoon René Benko, founder of the now-insolvent Signa Holding, was arrested on January 23, 2025, in Innsbruck, Austria. The arrest was executed by the Federal Criminal Police Office’s Soko Signa unit, following concerns from the Vienna Economic and Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (WKStA) about potential evidence tampering and the risk of further offenses.
Prosecution’s Strategy:
The WKStA aims to demonstrate that Benko is the de facto controller and beneficial owner of the Laura Privatstifung (Private Foundation) and the Stiftung Ingbe in Liechtenstein, thereby bringing its assets within reach of creditors and authorities. Investigators allege that Benko concealed assets during his personal insolvency by channeling funds through this foundation, effectively keeping them out of the insolvency estate.
Discovered Assets:
During recent house searches at Benko’s properties, including his villa in Innsbruck, the “Chalet N” in Lech, and a luxury penthouse in Vienna, authorities reportedly seized:
- Millions in jewelry
- Significant amounts of cash
- High-priced firearms
Additionally, the Ingbe Foundation in Liechtenstein is alleged to have stored gold worth €45 million as recently as summer 2022, along with substantial amounts in Swiss francs and U.S. dollars in various safe deposit boxes.
The Laura Privatstifung‘s asset portfolio reportedly includes real estate holdings in Austria and Germany, two Ferraris, and an art collection. Notably, a Picasso painting from this collection was sold for €11 million, which was considered below its market value.
These findings are part of the broader investigation into Benko’s financial activities, as authorities work to uncover the full extent of assets potentially concealed from creditors.
