Signa: Finanzprokurator wants to continue investigating possible liability of Benko. The wobble is over: the court orders the dissolution of construction giant Evergrande

The head of the Austrian Financial Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed that possible personal liabilities of founder Rene Benko should also be investigated in connection with the billion-dollar bankruptcies in Signa’s corporate structure. “Mr. Haselsteiner (Hans-Peter; Signa investor) made it clear in his ZiB2 interview that Mr. Benko was actually in charge of the activities of the Signa conglomerate,” said Wolfgang Peschorn, according to an online report by “oe24. at”.

If it were proven that Benko carried out an operational activity, liability could arise. However, the investor officially played no role in his complex and now seriously ailing business empire. Observers often credit him with pulling a lot of strings in the background.

However, Peschorn did not want to comment to “oe24.at” on an alleged bankruptcy application by the Finanzprokurator as lawyer of the Republic of Austria against Benko. The request to the Innsbruck Regional Court is said to be based on the fact that Benko has not fully fulfilled its obligation to make a down payment of three million euros in the holding company’s restructuring process.

Certain installment payments are said to have been made for Benko by third parties. Benko’s tax advisors are said to have submitted a request for a postponement. Apparently the financial department already has a declaration of arrears in hand, which can serve as justification for filing bankruptcy. (dab/sda/awp/apa)