Vienna trial begins over alleged kidnapping and torture in basement

A trial has commenced at the Regional Court in Vienna against four men, aged 23 to 41, accused of kidnapping and torturing two individuals in a basement in the Wieden district during autumn 2025.

The prosecution alleges the victims, described as runners for a criminal gang, were held captive for four days due to an alleged embezzlement of 100,000 euros. The defendants are accused of being part of a phishing gang that utilized stolen bank data and passwords to cause significant financial damage.

The prosecutor characterized the group as having ‘mafia-like structures’ and described the defendants as ‘thoroughly criminal and merciless.’ The indictment states one victim was lured to the main station and forced into a vehicle at gunpoint before being taken to the cellar, where the second victim was already being held captive.