Received COFAG funding

Benko’s chalet: “He was apparently his best guest”

Benko's Chalet N. in Lech is said to have received millions in subsidies from COFAG.

(Bild: Archiv, APA/Helmut Fohringer, krone.at-Grafik)

Research reveals: Chalet N. from the real estate juggler René Benko's empire was often used for business and family purposes. Despite this, it received 1.2 million euros in coronavirus funding.

Chalet N., luxury resort in Lech, created by real estate juggler René Benko. Former high-flyer, now in free fall. Insolvencies are shaking his empire. It's crumbling everywhere. Even in Lech. Now it turns out that Chalet N., named after his wife Nathalie, was launched as a hotel, but René Benko and Co. were probably its best customers. And: in Corona times, COFAG paid 1.2 million for losses. Tax money.

Benko's Chalet N. in Lech is said to have received millions in subsidies from COFAG.

(Bild: Archiv, APA/Helmut Fohringer, krone.at-Grafik)

Research by ORF and "Krone" reveals: Approximately 50 percent of the overnight stays were virtually used for Benko's private and business purposes. The 6-star resort was approved subject to a dedication as a hotel, especially as the number of second homes in the noble Lech was to be limited. In addition to the conspicuous use, the hotel is not open to the public, which actually contradicts the dedication of a public property. Another controversial aspect: Benko is also said to have stayed in the chalet during the lockdown, when hotels are supposed to be closed. March and April 2020 are documented.

MEP Nina Tomaselli (Greens) wants to raise the issue in the COFAG-U committee.

(Bild: APA/GEORG HOCHMUTH)

Hundreds of thousands of euros for one week
The Greens have taken a special interest in the issue in view of the upcoming COFAG-U committee. Vorarlberg MP Nina Tomaselli carried out intensive research and found that 800 to 1000 overnight stays take place at Chalet N. each season. This is an extremely low figure for this tourist region. When Benko stayed with his family and nannies alone, which was not uncommon, this resulted in around 70 overnight stays for one week alone. Signa's supervisory board meetings and invitations for celebrities are also documented - including former ÖBAG boss Thomas Schmid, who thanked him via chats full of euphoria. Tomaselli: "Benko was obviously his best guest."

The Greens suspect: "Even with the remaining overnight stays away from the Benko family, it seems obvious that many business partners and stakeholders spent the night in the luxury residence." Benko's Signa world is likely to have acted generously. After all, the luxury temple at 1700 meters above sea level on the Arlberg costs around 300,000 euros for a week.

The recent sale of the chalet is also likely to interest the insolvency administrators and possibly also the financial authorities. It took place just before Signa Holding filed for insolvency. Hypo Vorarlberg has 20 million in liens on the chalet, registered in 2023, and is said to have granted the Signa Group a loan of over 200 million euros.

Mayor sees no abuse
What does the mayor of Lech, Gerhard Lucian, say? "Compliance with the strict guidelines is constantly monitored by the municipality's own inspector - regardless of the property's designation. The checks are carried out by means of on-site inspections and interviews as well as by comparing guest reports, guest taxes and fees. These are in turn compared with actual consumption such as water and waste. These checks have not revealed any evidence of improper use of the Chalet N hotel." According to the mayor, it is also common for there to be no public catering area in certain cases.

Lech's mayor Gerhard Lucian

(Bild: Mathis Fotografie)

An inquiry to Signa regarding the use of the chalet, Benko's stay during the lockdown and coronavirus funding remained unanswered for the time being.

Greens: "Tip of the iceberg"
One thing is certain: The Greens will raise these and other questions in the upcoming committee. Nina Tomaselli is particularly interested in the tax structure of the chalet, the spontaneous sale of the chalet and the COFAG subsidies. "I think what we know so far about Benko's production of castles in the air is just the tip of the iceberg."