Targeting companies

Repair bonus: Fraud worth millions uncovered

Those responsible at several companies are accused of fraudulently obtaining millions in subsidies.

(Bild: Sepp Pail (Symbolbild))

The European Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating several companies that are alleged to have made false statements in order to defraud the EU-funded "repair bonus" of around 3.5 million euros. In a major raid involving over 230 police officers, 37 properties were searched, 15 suspects arrested and seven others questioned.

In two investigations by the European Public Prosecutor's Office, it is suspected that persons in charge of several companies made false statements to the body responsible for the EU-funded "repair bonus" in order to illegally obtain funding through incorrect documents.

Investigations against companies and dozens of suspects
They concern both companies and dozens of suspects in the period from May 2022 to June 2023. The suspects are alleged to have aimed to illegally obtain an amount of around 3.5 million euros.

230 police officers in action
On Tuesday, the police carried out a major raid with the support of the Cobra task force, the Federal Criminal Police Office, the WEGA and other units. They searched 37 apartments and business premises in Vienna, Lower Austria and Burgenland. Over 230 police officers were deployed.

15 suspects were provisionally arrested and seven were summoned for questioning. Two suspects were slightly injured when they tried to open the door because they said they suspected a break-in. The investigation is ongoing.