Hermann Wieser remains in custody amid Kika/Leiner fraud allegations

The Vienna Regional Court has extended the pre-trial detention of former Kika/Leiner executive Hermann Wieser until December 14. Wieser continues to deny all fraud allegations brought by the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA).

The investigation centers on claims that the furniture retailer offered 20 percent discounts to customers affected by Storm Boris two years ago, despite facing severe liquidity shortages. Prosecutors allege that at least 4,700 customers paid deposits for furniture they never received and for which they were not refunded, totaling at least 15 million euros in damages.

Additionally, investigators suspect Wieser may have intentionally diverted company assets shortly before the insolvency proceedings began to hinder creditor satisfaction. This includes allegations of authorizing 1.1 million euros in payments for invoices without adequate services rendered. Wieser’s defense maintains that he fought to save the company and denies any personal enrichment.