Vienna Marktamt faces document‑forgery probe over falsified visitor numbers

The Vienna city market office (Marktamt) is under criminal investigation after staff allege that visitor counts for several local markets were fabricated. Former deputy head Alexander Hengl is accused of directing employees to create false attendance sheets and of submitting them to the municipal audit office in support of a €25,080 purchase of a historic sausage‑slicing machine for the market museum.

The alleged forgery follows earlier allegations of racism, sexism and bullying that forced the resignation of market office chief Andreas Kuthe and his deputy. Legal scholars say the fabricated lists could constitute document‑forgery, punishable by up to one year in prison or a substantial fine. The city’s internal audit continues its review, while officials have not provided a comment.