Vienna court reduces sentence for police officer convicted of embezzling fines

The Higher Regional Court (OLG) of Vienna has reduced the sentence of a former police officer convicted of embezzling fines. Originally sentenced to two and a half years of unconditional imprisonment by the Wiener Neustadt Regional Court, the man's sentence was adjusted to 24 months, with 16 months suspended on probation.

Between August 2020 and April 2023, the officer manipulated records for traffic violation fines, such as speeding tickets, in the Wiener Neustadt district to pocket thousands of euros. The investigation, which began in June 2023 following a tip from a colleague, resulted in a conviction regarding approximately 400 criminal mandates. While the defendant admitted to errors in handling the documentation, he denied personally pocketing the money. A total of 11,745 euros was declared forfeited.