René Benko

René Benko (born 20 May 1977) is a bankrupt Austrian real estate, media and retail investor, and founder of Signa Holding. The company was considered Austria's largest privately held real estate conglomerate. Benko was considered one of the richest Austrians and had very good relations with leading politicians in Austria from all parties. Numerous controversies have surrounded Benko’s professional career. In March 2024 Benko declared personal insolvency.

In April 2024, the Liechtenstein public prosecutor's office has stated that criminal proceedings against Benko have been opened. The Trent public prosecutor's office issued an arrest warrant against Benko in December 2024 and searched numerous offices and apartments. The authority has justified this with investigations in connection with real estate speculation in the Trentino region and the neighboring region of Alto Adige.

On 23 January 2025, he was arrested. The Austrian Central Public Prosecutor's Office for the Prosecution of Economic Crimes and Corruption (Wirtschafts- und Korruptionsstaatsanwaltschaft) said reasons are suspicion of fraud and corruption as well as the risk of obfuscation.

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