Even the FBI is looking for a Viennese artist. He is facing charges in the US – with a sentence of 20 years. He now appeared in the federal capital for his – relatively innocent – trial. Ten years ago he allegedly threatened trendy restaurateur Martin Ho on Facebook.
He was on a successful path, supplying galleries with his abstract paintings – which also sold for big money. In 2013, Christian R. was just making a name for himself. He also succeeded in the US, where the judiciary looked for him in vain.
Charges filed in the US
In 2021, the Viennese with Brazilian roots were charged with conspiracy, fraudulent deception and identity theft. The artist forged photos and sold them for millions. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison.
Even the FBI was looking for him and he was eventually arrested in Portugal. And with the support of a lawyer, he managed to return to Austria, his home country. He therefore did not have to appear before the American legal system because “extradition of Austrian citizens is not permissible.”
Scene restorer Martin Ho threatened on Facebook
In return, he faced a decade-old indictment in Vienna for making dangerous threats. Disagreements arose around an art deal with the trendy restaurateur Martin Ho: “One day his fuse will probably blow. Then he let off steam on Facebook,” he recalls.
“Oida, you’re dead!” or “One false statement and you are history!”, he wrote. The restaurateur took the threats seriously because “it was known that he had the potential for aggression. There were always street fights and so on.” This is also confirmed by the impressive six previous convictions he has already accrued in Austria.
Distracting execution despite a full criminal record
Christian R. now wants to get his life under control: “That was a stupid story. “I take responsibility,” he said contritely in front of Judge Nicole Baczak. He is now studying at the Academy of Visual Arts and will even graduate in January. Otherwise, he spends time with his wife and child. He has been abstaining from alcohol and drugs for years – which he sees as the cause of these outbursts.
Despite his numerous previous convictions, the judge proposes probation. After all, the suspect’s offenses took place ten years ago. Lawyer Mirsad Musliu – he represents Martin Ho – does not object. The prosecutor, who wants to take time to think, is different.
While the artist escaped without conviction in Vienna, he still faces a 20-year prison sentence in the US…
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
