Pilnacek case

WKStA investigates events after Pilnacek’s death

Following criticism of the investigations after the death of former section head Christian Pilnacek, the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA) is now investigating.(Bild: Wolfgang Spitzbart, APA/HELMUT FOHRINGER)

Investigation proceedings have been initiated against a named suspect and unknown perpetrators. It is being investigated whether any criminally relevant mistakes were made in the official actions surrounding the discovery of the body. 

This was preceded by a complaint from Martin Kreutner, head of the investigative commission appointed by Justice Minister Alma Zadić (Greens), which is looking into possible political influence during Pilnacek's time in office as head of the department.

The facts of the case were not concerned with the circumstances of Pilnacek's death - the possibility of third party involvement was ruled out - but with the removal of personal belongings after the body was found by detectives in his home. 

The Krems public prosecutor's office had not ordered the seizure of any items, nor had the police reported the seizure. The Krems public prosecutor's office was initially responsible, but it transferred the proceedings to the WKStA.

Following criticism of the investigations after the death of former section head Christian Pilnacek, the Economic and Corruption Prosecutor's Office (WKStA) is now investigating.(Bild: Wolfgang Spitzbart, APA/HELMUT FOHRINGER)

Following the examination of an initial suspicion, investigations have now been launched into suspected abuse of office or incitement to abuse of office, according to ORF Niederösterreich.