Reported to the police

Possible welfare fraudster threatened witness with death

(Bild: P. Huber)

After a 70-year-old Austrian in Innsbruck received tens of thousands of euros in rent subsidy for years without authorization, he has now been reported to the police by a relative. The accused then threatened to kill the woman. The man is now at large.

The witness reported her relative, who lives in Innsbruck, to the SOLBE police investigation group for social benefit fraud because he allegedly received a rent subsidy totaling a mid-five-figure euro amount in Tyrol from 2008 to 2017 and concealed from the authorities that he had "considerable possessions" in Turkey, including land, houses and apartments. Even after 2017, he is said to have tried to obtain money, but these applications were rejected.

Evidence led suspect to complainant
The investigation team then took over the interrogation of the 70-year-old. They also presented the suspect with evidence such as extracts from the land register and proof of ownership, which the witness had given them. This made it clear to the accused who had reported him.

The man "did not confess" to the crimes he was accused of.

Die Polizei in einer Aussendung

After being questioned, the Austrian then went to the complainant's home and threatened to kill the woman. Fortunately, he did not attack his relative and left again.

Suspect remains at large
The 70-year-old will now be charged not only with aggravated fraud, but also with making a dangerous threat. He did not confess. The public prosecutor's office did not consider it necessary to remand him in custody and the man remains at large.