Not legally binding

Millions in damages: Ex-bank employee on trial

Hypo's headquarters in the old town of Salzburg

(Bild: Tschepp Markus)

The "Krone" has reported on the case several times: An ex-employee of Hypo Salzburg and an accomplice allegedly defrauded the bank of around eight million euros. Both were sentenced today to several years in prison. The sentences are not yet final.

"I am guilty" - those were the only words spoken by the former Hypo employee before the judge today, Tuesday. Beyond that, the main defendant in the proceedings concerning the multi-million fraud at Hypo Salzburg remained silent. The ex-bank employee and her accomplice both made extensive confessions today.

The verdict for the woman: three years partially suspended, one year of which is unconditional. Her accomplice received three and a half years unconditional. The reason: the man already has several previous convictions. The ex-employee of Hypo is still eligible for an ankle bracelet as a result of the sentence. 

Exposed through internal bank investigations
According to the indictment, the woman and her accomplice are said to have granted a total of 151 loans to fictitious customers since 2017. On the other hand, she is alleged to have pocketed the money actually intended for investment from 17 customers herself since 2006. She is also alleged to have sold securities without an order and kept the proceeds. The accomplice is alleged to have forged documents for the crimes. The charges under the Criminal Code: breach of trust, embezzlement and forgery of documents

The whole thing came to light through internal bank investigations in 2021. The investigations dragged on for two years. It was probably also possible because the main accused ex-employee still had extensive powers as a representative of the bank at the time.