Contradictions examined

Aggravated robbery: police doubt statement

A serious robbery is said to have taken place in Vienna on Monday morning. But when the victim was questioned, the police had doubts (symbolic image).

(Bild: APA/GEORG HOCHMUTH)

On Monday, a 54-year-old man went to the police station in Vienna-Donaustadt to report a serious robbery. On his way to work, two men allegedly approached him and forced him to hand over his valuables at knifepoint. But the case takes a surprising turn ...

Fearing the two men, the 54-year-old handed over his rucksack, which contained high-priced electrical appliances. He also had another bag with him that contained expensive power tools, the victim describes the experience. He also handed these over to the perpetrators without hesitation. The men then fled with the loot in a dark vehicle in an unknown direction.

Man deceives investigators with his story
The next day, the Vienna police officers decided to question the man again. During the interrogation, a surprising twist in the case emerged. Apparently under pressure from the police's precise questions, the allegedly robbed Austrian confessed that he had faked the robbery.

As to the background to the crime, he stated that he wanted to claim the alleged loss amounting to a four-digit euro sum from his insurance company. The 54-year-old was charged on suspicion of faking an offense punishable by law.