Disclosure ignored

Delinquent Signa subsidiaries paid a million fine

Dozens of companies from René Benko's empire breached their duty of disclosure.

(Bild: APA/Georg Hochmuth, APA/dpa, Krone KREATIV)

An inquiry to the Ministry of Justice has revealed: Dozens of companies from René Benko's empire were in breach of disclosure obligations. Regardless of the penalties that would then become due.

Signa and Benko - almost daily news from the declining empire of the real estate juggler. Insolvencies and advertisements. And politicians are also interested in the Tyrolean who is intertwined with politics. Signa and Benko will also play a role in the upcoming COFAG-U committee.

Dozens of companies from René Benko's empire violated disclosure requirements.

(Bild: APA/Georg Hochmuth, APA/dpa, Krone KREATIV)

Dozens of Signa subsidiaries were in default
The SPÖ was also interested in a secondary aspect in advance: mandatory penalties under section 283 et seq. of the Austrian Commercial Code (UGB). Violation of the disclosure obligation pursuant to section 277: corporations must submit annual financial statements etc. to the Commercial Register Court no later than nine months after the balance sheet date. Dozens of Signa subsidiaries were in default. And had to pay as a result, as the "Krone" reported at the beginning of September.

According to a response to an inquiry by Justice Minister Alma Zadic (Greens), fines amounting to almost one million (913,500 euros) were imposed between 2019 and 2023. More than previously assumed. However, Signa apparently accepted this with approval. For critical observers, this also fits into the overall picture of the Benko empire - difficult to see through or opaque down to the last of the many thousands of corners.

SPÖ justice spokesman Jan Krainer is calling for new, tougher rules - as already announced by the judiciary.

(Bild: APA/Herbert Neubauer)

SPÖ finance spokesman calls for tougher rules
Jan Krainer, finance spokesman for the SPÖ, had tabled the parliamentary question. He is calling for new, tougher rules - as have already been announced by the judiciary. "Lessons must be learned from cases like this. It is frightening to see how some people ignore conventions and rules."

Krainer also refers to the recent story surrounding Chalet N., Benko's luxury resort in Lech - as reported by the "Krone" newspaper. Research revealed that the hotel was largely used by Benko and Co. personally - and that there were still 1.2 million euros in coronavirus subsidies. "Outrageous", says Krainer.

Greens organized tax file on Chalet N.
Green Party member Nina Tomaselli has already had the tax file on Chalet N. organized. "I can imagine that there were also special constructions here." Guaranteed to be a topic for the upcoming U-committee.