Internal Investigations

Real Police Officers Protected a “Fake” Amazon CEO

A photo from the party shows the masked officers.(Bild: zVg, Krone KREATIV)

At least three police officers were present in mid-August at a company party in Micheldorf (Upper Austria) to protect Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, who was attending the event. He was, of course, a lookalike, but the police officers were real. An investigation is now underway to determine who authorized and paid for the “operation.” A high-ranking official is the focus of the investigation.

“Is it him, or isn’t it?” wondered numerous partners and employees at a party hosted by tool manufacturer Haidlmair on August 19 in Micheldorf. They were referring to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who had landed there by helicopter that afternoon.

Bezos Look-Alike
At second glance, however, it became clear that it wasn’t the real U.S. entrepreneur on a flying visit to Upper Austria, but a paid lookalike. On his Instagram profile, he wrote: “From the helicopter into the hall, accompanied by Mario Haidlmair, my bodyguards, and SIG OÖ.”

Real Police Officers
Unlike the fake Bezos, the supposed bodyguards were reportedly not paid actors, but “real” police officers. At least three officers from the Rapid Intervention Group (SIG) can be seen in numerous photos and videos from the celebration.

Investigation Confirmed
Why the police officers were there, who authorized the operation, and who will cover the costs are the subject of an investigation. This has at least been confirmed by the Upper Austrian State Police Directorate (LPD OÖ), which, in response to an inquiry from “Krone,” stated: “The Upper Austrian State Police Directorate is already aware of the facts of the matter, and corresponding investigations regarding all parties involved are underway.”

Ongoing proceedings
No further details will be provided in light of the ongoing proceedings. The BAK (Federal Office for the Prevention and Combating of Corruption) has been brought in. As the “Standard” first reported, Linz Police Chief Klaus Hübner is said to have authorized the operation.

Those Involved Know Each Other
The publication cites conversations with company CEO Mario Haidlmair, who has known Hübner for many years and contacted him regarding Bezos’s visit. When asked by the “Krone,” the high-ranking police officer declined to comment on the matter.

Many questions remain
This leaves many questions unanswered: Who paid for the operation? Was it billed as overtime? Were the weapons they carried real? Is a specific person under investigation, and what exactly are the allegations? Malicious tongues might also want to know: Can you book police officers for children’s birthday parties and Christmas parties as well?