Since this week, the complaint of a Viennese law firm has first concerned the Public Prosecutor’s Office for Economic Affairs and Corruption (WKStA), which has now assigned the delicate act to the Vienna Public Prosecutor’s Office. It concerns the suspicion of abuse of office and disloyalty, notably against the ÖVP top executives of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce.
State the amount of damage: exactly 252,211 euros and 52 cents. Up to five years in prison. The crème de la crème of the Chamber of Commerce are named as suspects in the account of the facts: President Dr. Harald Mahrer, his secretary general, member of the National Council Karlheinz Kopf, and deputy secretary general Dr. Herwig Hollerer.
The details: The trio sealed a 2018 special retirement plan for Head with their signature (pictured, Mahrer with his purple fountain pen). But from 2012, it actually no longer existed for more than ten years because – according to its own statement to the Court of Auditors – “all new employees no longer have a special scheme compared to ASVG insured persons, they do not receive any additional benefits upon retirement.” “.
Has money from the room distribution, the (mandatory) tax to be paid by all members, been used illegally? When asked by “Krone”, one admits a mistake, but at the same time assures “that the allegations are unfounded and can be fully clarified”. It is about the pension fund and not about the fixed pension commitment. The total amount (according to the documents available to “Krone” 240,537.47 euros) was repaid after four years in August 2021.
“This shows exactly how to follow the rules properly”
President Harald Mahrer is relaxed: “That shows exactly how you comply with the rules. A clear sign that the internal control mechanisms worked!”
However, the advertisement still lists ten ‘special pension cases’ for chamber officials. Now it is the turn of the judiciary to decide whether to stop or further investigate.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
