René Benko faces new forgery and fraud allegations in Signa case

René Benko, the founder of Signa Holding, faces expanding criminal investigations led by the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA). Authorities are currently examining at least 18 separate complexes of facts, including allegations of fraud, breach of trust, and fraudulent bankruptcy (Krida).

New allegations suggest Benko may have committed forgery by retroactively inserting the signatures of three co-shareholders—Torsten Toeller, Ernst Tanner, and Dr. Hans Peter Haselsteiner—into a shareholder resolution regarding his service contract. This action reportedly occurred just one day before the Signa Holding bankruptcy. Benko’s legal counsel denies these claims, stating the document was merely a “purely accounting-related follow-up” that maintained existing contractual conditions without benefiting Benko.

In addition to forgery, investigators are looking into claims that Benko concealed assets worth tens of millions of euros, including cash and luxury goods, to the detriment of creditors. There are also allegations regarding the deception of investors, specifically involving a five-million-euro transfer prompted by claims of outstanding dividends. Benko, who has been in custody in Innsbruck since January 2025, denies all accusations.