Thomas Schmid’s confession has shocked politicians and put people like investors René Benko and Sigi Wolf in distress. It is about infidelity, bribery, venality, abuse of office or false testimony. Could be years in prison.
Personal motives, leg scrapers and tax breaks for wealthy clients are central to the study. René Benko and Sigi Wolf are said to have received special treatment from the Ministry of Finance and Thomas Schmid respectively.
Ö VP can impose a fine as an association
If taxes are not paid correctly, there could be criminal consequences, as well as hefty extra payments – investigations into this are ongoing, as the “Krone” learned. A fine could also be interpreted as an association by the ÖVP.
Benko would have asked Schmid for tax deductibility
According to Schmid, Benko asked to make his private jet tax-deductible. Another request related to a house in the center of Vienna (Tuchlauben). Schmid wants to have campaigned for the worries – in return, Benko promised a well-paying job in his Signa. Schmid told the researchers, “We’ve done things that weren’t right.” An important point to return was when his mother said to him: “That’s not how we raised you, if you’ve done something wrong, stick with it – and with all the consequences that entails.”
In any case, Schmid brings new dynamics. But what can threaten the suspect? It’s about infidelity, bribery, venality, abuse of office, false testimony. The latter offense carries a maximum prison sentence of three years.
“Innocent people don’t have to fear jail time”
In the Casag proceedings, Sebastian Kurz, his ex-chef Bonelli and ex-casino manager Glatz-Kremser are under investigation. But criminals like the above need not fear jail time, says Graz lawyer Gerald Ruhri.
Media manager Fellner is accused of corruption
Infidelity is more painful – up to 10 years in prison and 1.5 times as much for officials as Schmid. Kurz is also being investigated here (study cause), also for inciting bribery – the media manager Fellner is accused of bribery in the affair (also up to 10 years); Investor René Benko is suspected of bribery (up to 10 years). Schmid is also accused of abuse of office (up to 5 years), as well as the chairman of the National Council Wolfgang Sobotka and the chairman of the ÖVP club August Wöginger – Postenschacher.
The max will not work
If judgments are reached, the maximum does not apply. Nevertheless, general prevention can have an aggravating effect – after all, we are dealing with people in power. Ruhri: “The judiciary wants to act as a deterrent. And strengthen the trust of the law-abiding population.” The presumption of innocence applies to all accused.
Source: Krone
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