Despite high assets

Swindler swindled thousands of euros in emergency aid

The accused ran several YouTube channels with thousands of subscribers during the coronavirus pandemic (symbolic image).

(Bild: stock.adobe.com)

A self-proclaimed critic of measures who ran several YouTube channels with thousands of subscribers during the coronavirus pandemic was convicted of serious commercial fraud at Vienna Regional Court on Wednesday. The 47-year-old had unlawfully received emergency and bridging assistance between January 2019 and June 2024, causing damage of 52,510 euros.

The presiding judge described the offense as "classic social fraud" - an 18-month suspended sentence was imposed. The only mitigating factor was the defendant's comprehensive confession, while a previous conviction was taken into account as an aggravating factor. In view of a possible maximum sentence of three years, the court considered the sentence imposed to be appropriate. The judge stated that a partially conditional prison sentence was not necessary.

The verdict is already final. The defendant accepted it immediately and the public prosecutor's office also decided not to appeal.

Social welfare despite high assets
Explosive: The man had over 200,000 euros in his bank account - yet he received social benefits. He concealed these considerable assets from the AMS. After an apartment fire that largely destroyed his home, acquaintances from the right-wing scene - including people such as Gottfried Küssel and Martin Sellner - organized a crowdfunding campaign for him.

This raised at least 170,000 euros. The rest of his balance was a loan, the 47-year-old explained in court. He had planned to become self-employed.