Serbian gang sentenced in Vienna for brutal fake‑plumber robberies

A group of Serbian nationals was convicted by the Vienna Regional Court for a series of burglaries targeting elderly residents in Lower Austria. Posing as boiler‑service technicians, the gang broke into homes, assaulted victims and stole modest amounts, including an 88‑year‑old pensioner from Donja Austria who was beaten, bound and had her mouth taped after the thieves took €120 and her mobile phone. Five men were tried; sentences range from two‑and‑a‑half to seven years, with the 19‑year‑old receiving the maximum term. The alleged mastermind, who coordinated the operations from Bosnia and Herzegovina, was arrested there on a European arrest warrant and is currently detained in a Bosnian prison. During the trial one defendant described the plan as “completely stupid.” The verdicts are not yet final.