Benko Faces Fraud Trial Over Alleged €300M Signa Scandal
The public prosecutor's office is investigating 14 suspected cases linked to Signa, with potential total damage estimated at around 300 million euros. Benko, a key figure, faces charges of fraudulent misconduct for concealing assets to disadvantage creditors. His trial is set for mid-October at the Higher Regional Court.
Benko is accused of hiding cash totaling 120,000 euros and luxury items worth 250,000 euros in a safe with relatives. A co-defendant has also filed an appeal and may stand trial alongside Benko on October 14 and 15. The first indictment alleges that Benko disadvantaged creditors through illegal actions involving a disputed advance rental payment of 360,000 euros and a donation of 300,000 euros to relatives.
Italian authorities have issued an arrest warrant for Benko, along with other individuals including auditor Heinz Peter Hager and Mayor Cristina Santi, who are under house arrest related to investigations in the Trentino and South Tyrol regions. Benko has consistently denied all allegations.
Benko's trial is scheduled for mid-October at the Higher Regional Court. The penalty range for the second indictment is one to ten years imprisonment. The investigation continues with 14 suspected cases connected to Signa, totaling potential damage of around 300 million euros.
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