Tougher action

“A mess!” The cake bungler now faces sour grapes

Leo Jindrak, Federal Guild Master of the Food Trade, is annoyed by the bunglers.(Bild: Markus Wenzel, stock.adobe.com, Krone KREATIV)

An illegal confectioner in Upper Austria earned around 72,000 euros by selling themed cakes, while at the same time collecting unemployment benefits and unemployment assistance since the beginning of 2022 - the case uncovered by the financial police has caused a stir. Bunglers are now being targeted more closely, says Federal Guild Master Leo Jindrak.

She had offered cakes on social media at a unit price of 90 euros, which could be ordered from her via direct message - an Austrian woman is said to have used this scam to earn around 72,000 euros in the black, while at the same time collecting unemployment benefit and unemployment assistance.

Leo Jindrak, Federal Guild Master of the Food Industry, is annoyed by the cheats.(Bild: Markus Wenzel, stock.adobe.com, Krone KREATIV)

The financial police tracked down the 31-year-old, the AMS Upper Austria demanded money back, she was reported to the public prosecutor's office for fraud and to the tax office for tax evasion.

Such cases are not trivial offenses and damage the principles of a fair economy and a society based on solidarity.

Finanzminister Magnus Brunner 

The case from Upper Austria, which came to light last Sunday, is also a topic at the international confectionery competition, which ends on February 29 in Linz. "The fact that some people are messing with the trade and not adhering to any rules - that's just not on", says Leo Jindrak, Federal Guild Master of the Austrian Food and Confectionery Trades.

Motif cakes are often botched up
He confirms that botched motif cakes have increased enormously in recent years. "We will pay even more attention to who is working illegally here", emphasizes Jindrak, "because this is a mess for all those who have training and adhere to all guidelines".

Chamber of Commerce alarmed
The Chamber of Commerce is alarmed and wants to protect its members who have registered a business. The master confectioner from Linz announces: "We will implement a tougher program."